Simple and Effective Ways to Cultivate a Strong Corporate Culture
Creating a corporate culture that genuinely influences employee behavior can seem as tricky as getting your cat to fetch the morning newspaper. Yet, it's undeniably essential for business success. However, many companies end up with a set of vague values that offer no real guidance in decision-making.
The key to a culture that works is to use dilemmas to shape and articulate it. By identifying the challenging dilemmas your employees frequently face and clearly stating the company's stance on them, your desired culture will take root and steer the team's behavior.
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Ground Your Culture in Real Dilemmas
Think about the daily dilemmas your employees encounter. For instance, should a customer service representative prioritize speed or quality when resolving issues? By defining clear responses to these dilemmas, you guide your team in making decisions that align with your company's values.
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Dilemma-Test Your Values
Test your company’s values against actual dilemmas. If one of your values is 'customer satisfaction,' determine how this holds up when a customer is irate, and a resolution might mean bending some rules. Your values should provide clear guidance in such scenarios.
Communicate Your Values Vividly
Ditch the corporate jargon. Use colorful and relatable language to communicate your values. For example, instead of saying “We value integrity,” say “We always tell the truth, even when it hurts.” This makes your values more memorable and actionable.
Hire People Who Fit
Culture fit is crucial. During the hiring process, assess whether potential employees align with your company’s values. A misfit can be like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – it just won't work. Use behavioral interview questions to gauge alignment.
Let Culture Drive Strategy
Your strategy should reflect your culture, not the other way around. If your culture values innovation, ensure your strategy includes investing in R&D and encouraging creative thinking among your employees.
Know When to Pull Back
Sometimes, a value might need to be re-evaluated or even discarded. For example, if a commitment to 'always be available' is leading to employee burnout, it might be time to revise this value to better support work-life balance.
Wrapping Up: Building Culture That Lasts
Creating a corporate culture that sticks requires more than just writing down a set of values. It involves living those values through every decision and action. Remember, culture isn't static. It evolves, and being open to revisiting and refining your cultural elements is crucial.
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