Environment – Culture

Why does the current culture exist in your business?

How do you achieve the culture you desire?

When looking at your business, it can be daunting to review your performance and analyse what you stand for. Often when we ask our clients these two questions, they answer with ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’ve never thought about that’. 

But it is important to identify where your business stands, and where you want it to be.

Here are some questions to help you explore what you stand for as a business. Take some time to think about and answer the questions honestly. It’s a great idea to record your responses so you can reflect on your thoughts or discuss them with your business coach. 

What is your business culture?

• Do your staff follow the process?
• Do your staff use initiative?
• How do your staff treat each other?
• Are your staff engaged in your business?

 

Identify the culture you want to have.

Define exactly what you want and live it. There’s no point just writing it down then choosing when it is used. Always strive for the best – don't accept mediocrity.

 

How do you create/change a culture? It starts with you.

• What sort of leadership style do you follow?
• How does your leadership style fit within your culture? Do you need to review it to align with your culture?

 

Leadership by its nature can be fluid and may require a number of different styles to achieve the goals you want.

• Are you able to adapt your leadership style depending upon the situation?
• Whatever style you have, are you consistent with your message?
• Do you give feedback in real time and in person, not twelve months down the track?
• Do you reward and review based on your company values and mission?

 

Answering these questions will go a long way to determining exactly what your business stands for. Improve and develop your business culture by not only discussing it amongst you, your staff and your clients, but also living it on a daily basis. This will go a long way to ensure the engagement of all stakeholders.