Is Your Corporate Culture Killing or Enhancing Your Business?

Businesses in today’s market climate are continually
reinventing, evolving, merging and divesting. 
It’s no surprise that the 1998 corporate bible Who Moved My Cheese? is still a bestseller.

During such flux, nothing evokes more anxiety within an
organization than change combined with the unknown. This can lead to a toxic,
tension-filled environment where people instinctively go into survivor mode –
all to the detriment of day-to-day business operations.

The key to success for any type of transition is timely,
detailed communication. Keeping your staff well informed is by far the most
effective way to combat the inaccuracies and hysteria spread by the inevitable
rumor mill. Share your vision up front, provide frequent updates on
organizational progress  and solicit
feedback. Employees will be more vested in their company when they feel
involved.

During a merger, there is apt to be an “us versus them”
dynamic, especially when there are position redundancies.  Plus, sometimes people in an organization have
been in a role so long they can no longer be objective or open to new ideas. Those
unwilling to embrace the future and adapt are like a virus and need to move on.
Others should understand that sometimes change creates new and better
opportunities – if they’re focused on negativity and panic, they’ll miss their
chance. 

To build a successful environment, businesses should keep an
open door policy at all levels of your organization – even the  CEO should not be too important to be
accessible. Let those work who for you know their value and most important –
you are aware of their existence. Build a relationship with your employees and
encourage team work.  Be sure to acknowledge birthdays and work
anniversaries. Most importantly, hold company events that enable employees from
different areas of the company to interact.

Employees must play their part too by welcoming constructive
debate among their co-workers throughout the organization. Always be a company
cheerleader  – avoid disparaging your
business internally or externally – and wearing your corporate apparel is a
simple way to show your dedication and spirit.

Businesses with harmonious cultures are unstoppable in the
marketplace. Their employees are engaged, loyal and giving 110% to their
companies and their customers. Creating a positive corporate culture is not
always easy, but can be done through a consistent combination of open
communication, reward and opportunity. 
And the dividends can be huge.