Organizational or Corporate Culture
What is Organizational or Corporate Culture?
“Culture” may be defined as a reflection of the heart and the state of mind of an organization which consciously and unconsciously dictates the way an organization pursues its goals and does business. Culture is a direct reflection of the organization’s attitude toward their internal and external customers. Culture is also defined by the degree of shared passion, commitment and execution of a common vision, mission, core values and standards. It defines an organization’s attitude, practices and approach to the initiation and execution of organizational policies, procedures and the delivery or presentation of the product or services they provide.
Whether you realize it or not your organization already has a culture. The question is… by design or default”? What kind of “culture do we have”?
Is our organization… “Thriving… Surviving… or Diving”?
Some questions to ask yourself:
- Are our mission and values just a slogan or are they the way we pursue our goals and conduct our business.
- Have we consciously defined and intentionally cultivated a positive culture?
- Are our hiring and talent management decisions congruent with our culture?
- Are we a… “destination employer” with little turnover, where our employees want to come and stay? Are people lined up to join our organization?
- Are we a… “fast-food employer” and serve as a short-term stop along the way in our employees’ careers”?
- Do we have a problem with absenteeism?
- Do our employees feel like ‘human beings’ or ‘human doings’? Are they treated like something of great value or a paper cup that can be tossed away?
- Do our employees do “just enough” or do they cheerfully go the extra mile to produce results?
- Do we communicate well with our employees and community we serve?
- Do our employees and customers trust us?
- Do we actively listen to our employees and customers?
- Are there quality relationships in our organization?
- Do we tolerate conflict and gossip?
- Do we encourage creativity and risk taking?
- Are we genuinely interested in knowing … “the good, the bad and the ugly” about our organization and want to continually improve?
- Do we conduct customer, employee surveys and employee exit interviews?
- Do our customers and suppliers complain about how they are treated?
- Have we made a “Conscious and Intentional” effort to create a positive work environment?
If the questions above created any doubt, then your culture should probably be evaluated.
A strong and healthy culture does not happen by accident. It will only come from conscious, deliberate decisions and a sincere willingness to listen and to change. We have the tools to evaluate your organization and the skills to assist you in creating a healthy and productive culture. Call or email me today!