I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea of small businesses creating a certain culture with the hopes that it will be completely and utterly unique to their business. No one else will have this culture. It’s ours and you can’t have it. And it’s because of this culture that we will attract the right business, the right employees and be successful. Well, although that might be true, the basics that surround the identity of a company’s culture are mostly derived from a template. And that’s okay. Let’s own the fact that this culture you want to create might not necessarily be as unique as you hoped it would be. Once we have that under control, we can start looking at what composes the culture and figure out that new twist that you can add to it to reach those goals- attracting the right business and the right employees.
One of the hardest things related to a small company’s culture is the implementation. You present this grand design of the hows, whens, wheres, who’s and why’s. Great! Now, put that into practice. Hold yourself accountable. Although a company’s culture is the ultimate “About Me” page, often times the not-so-flowery-sometimes-down-right-icky details are excluded. Makes sense. If you are showcasing your best self, that “About Me” calling card will only say “Yes, we are available 24/7”, and not say “Yep – Christmas morning, we will answer calls.” But failing to share with your company’s back-bone – your future/present employees – it can make for some sticky situations.
What are the most popular and often included points within a company’s culture? Here are three that are commonly called out and can make a great culture:
Hiring Team Players
We are looking for individuals that work well with others, enjoy brainstorming sessions, and getting down-n-dirty in a think-tank with others. Got it. You want people that play well with others.
Go a step further: But what other ways are they going to have to be team players? What are the tasks not exclusive to the job description that are going to make sure they can handle playing nice?
Employees that understand the values of the company
What are the core values of your company? It’s the reason why we ask anyone in an interview, “Why do you want to work here?” Do they get it? Make sure and be clear on what it involves. Not all company values are created equal. One company might prefer Superman while the other Batman. This, I’ve come to learn, can be a different way of thinking. And the fact that I know this, and unsure if it really matters to me, might mean that neither company may work for me.
Go a step further: Ask a potential employee their opinion on a value within the company that might be less than popular. See how they respond with relation to the others within the company. Is it working for them? Does it jive with the applicant? If outsiders/applicants are giving an unsure vibe, imagine how your employees feel. You picked this applicant because you thought they would fit with your culture and existing employees… think about it. Glean ideas from those potential employers.
Individual growth and various talents exist
Everyone is on their own professional and personal paths. Although a person may be hired to do one job or task, hobbies/interests/outside-company-values also exist. I know this isn’t new, but it’s important to realize and reflect on this once in a blue moon 🙂 Provide those opportunities for growth or trying something new. By saying this out-loud, stating it to applicants and existing employees, and committing to this opportunity, it will keep those people energized and revived. Don’t let them get bored.
Go a step further: Pick a few days out of the year and pass out a survey to your employees. Ask them to take a few minutes out of their day {Gasp, I know, not working for a few minutes. Just let them do it – it’s for the betterment of your company and culture, remember? 🙂 } and get opinions on their professional and personal growth. Is there anything they would like to try within the company? Are there events going on within the company or committees that might be of interest? Have a little mix-up to help revive day-to-day tasks.
What are some other areas within a company’s culture that you find important? Share!
