When we talk with business owners about the importance of culture and how it drives business results, we get a wide array of responses. Some tell us they know how important culture is, and explain how they send the message to their employees – but these are the rare exceptions.
Mostly we hear:
- Culture is that soft stuff – no time for touchy feely in my business
- I can’t spend time on culture – I’ve got too many things going on right now that are more important to the success of my business
- Besides – what can I do about culture – it is what it is
- You can’t change culture
- You don’t introduce culture into an organization, it just develops on its own
Well, every one of these points (and opinions) is missing something. Most often we hear them from business owners who do not understand the power of culture. You will either define your culture or it will define you. And when it does, you may not like what you see.
Developing, changing or reinforcing your business’s culture is less about time and more about intention and stories. Every day you communicate to your staff; you communicate by words, actions, decisions, and behavior. You are either consistent with your values, or you are not. You either reinforce the Mission and Vision, or you don’t. None of what we just mentioned takes time – you are doing it anyway. It is how you do it and how you reinforce “the way work will be an is done around here.”
And telling stories about how individuals in your organization improved service, how an effort made your customer better, how the values were demonstrated is living example of your culture. It’s about intention – intentionally communicating and reinforcing what defines your organization.
In this week’s Quick Tips we will provide examples on the power of stories in reinforcing and strengthening your culture.
Copyright 2011 Kubica LaForest Consulting
If you enjoyed this piece, please consider sharing it!
