Buiding a culture in your organization
A few things we try to do at our business to improve the work experience and build our culture which centers around “Taking care of the people who take care of the people”
Clearly Define and Communicate Company Values: Clearly articulate the core values and mission of your business and ensure that they are effectively communicated to all employees. This shared understanding creates a foundation for a strong culture. “Thanks for taking care of the people who take care of the people”
Lead by Example: As a leader, embody the values and behaviors you want to see in your employees. Demonstrate respect, open communication, and a positive attitude. Your actions will set the tone for the entire workplace. I remember during Disney Training in the early 80s we world taught about being on stage, when we went out there we had to put all of our problems to the side and create a magical experience for the guest. We try to be honest, respectful, and caring about our colleagues’ lives and not let our day or problems affect how we treat them.
Foster Teamwork and Collaboration: Encourage teamwork and collaboration among employees by creating opportunities for cross-functional projects, team-building activities, and brainstorming sessions. Encourage sharing of ideas and perspectives to foster a sense of camaraderie and a collective spirit. One of the easiest ways to foster teamwork is to be part of the team working. I am often humbled by how well they treat me even when I know that I am slowing them down.
Provide Growth and Development Opportunities: Even without a large training budget, you can still offer development opportunities. Assign stretch assignments, encourage knowledge sharing among employees, and provide access to online resources or industry-related articles. You can also invite guest speakers or experts to share their insights with your team. This is an area where I need to focus more of my energy on developing tomorrow’s leaders.
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones: Recognize and celebrate both individual and team achievements. This can be as simple as a shout-out during a team meeting, a handwritten note of appreciation, or organizing a small gathering to honor accomplishments.
Encourage Employee Feedback: Create a culture of open communication by actively seeking and listening to employee feedback. Conduct regular feedback sessions, surveys, or suggestion boxes to gather insights and ideas for improving the work experience.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance by respecting personal time and boundaries. Avoid excessive overtime and be flexible with scheduling when possible. Encourage breaks and promote wellness initiatives, such as encouraging exercise or offering mental health resources.
Foster a Positive Work Environment: Focus on creating a positive and inclusive work environment. Encourage kindness, respect, and appreciation among employees. Implement initiatives like casual dress days, team lunches, or small social events to promote a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Empower Employees: Give employees autonomy and decision-making authority when appropriate. Encourage them to take ownership of their work and provide opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization. We ask our sales team to act as business owners within our business.
Regularly Communicate Organizational Updates: Keep employees informed about important company updates, goals, and milestones. This transparency helps employees feel connected to the business and its progress. I am going to write a monthly newsletter to share more experiences with the team.
Remember, the key to improving the work experience and developing a positive culture is to prioritize the well-being and growth of your employees. By investing time, attention, and effort into creating a supportive and engaging workplace, you can make a significant impact even without a large budget.
