Are you thinking about starting your own business, or do you currently run or manage your company? Something that doesn’t get talked about enough is morale and culture. Too many times, companies lose good employees because of bad management or a poor work environment.
As a supervisor or owner, how can we establish a culture that your employees will enjoy working in? We will provide some tips and suggestions on building a great work environment so that you don’t lose the talent you hired to take the company to the next level. We will take a look at one of the most underrated aspects of business.
Key Components on Building a Company’s Culture
Listen to Your Employees or Partners
A piece of advice: “If you are the smartest person in the room, you should find another room.” Meaning, you should always be willing to learn from the people around you. It seems so easy, just listen to the people you either hired or partnered up with. Unless you are running a sole proprietorship, it’s your responsibility to trust the people you surround yourself with.
Hopefully, you have hired talented people to take your business to the next level. If that is the case, listen to their ideas. Don’t talk over them in meetings; let them express what they think could help the company. You don’t have to agree with everything, but when there is a disagreement, have a discussion on why or why not. Don’t just say “no” with no explanation or reasoning. It will make the other party feel heard and ensure that they have a voice and say in the matter.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
Can I say it one more time for the people in the back? Communicate! Are you putting together the next big business deal? Keep those involved in the loop. Whether it’s another owner, management, or the proper team lead, someone should be in the know, unless you are the only one operating.
Imagine being an “owner” of a business, yet you aren’t carbon-copied or blind carbon-copied on emails setting up the company’s next big partnership. Then you find out after a few drinks that your business partner dropped the ball with a huge deal months ago, got demotivated, and never told anyone! I know, I would be p*****.
If other team members were involved, they could have saved the deal or pushed it forward. Transparency gets thrown around a lot, but you need to practice what you preach. Communication is key!
Respect Your Employees
This one seems so simple, yet it’s probably the most overlooked component of building a great culture. Does anyone remember the golden rule? Treat others the way you want to be treated. As an owner or manager, most of the time you can’t do it alone. That’s why you hired these people. They are helping you, and when you respect them, it motivates employees to work harder and more efficiently for the company.
Would you hire an unbelievably talented person, and the first time you’re in a meeting, you call her a b**** behind her back? That sets a tone! Eventually, that attitude will leak out down the totem pole. Show appreciation and gratitude to the people you build your business with. Some people get power hungry when they are put in certain positions, so stay humble and remember we are a team! Remember that!
Stop Playing the Victim
It’s as bad as a toxic relationship. No one likes someone that consistenly plays the victim. Saying things like “Its all my fault,” or trying to manipulate others to feel bad for you if things don’t go your way. Put your big boy pants on and take responsibility for your actions. Sometimes you have to realize when you are the problem.
Life and business are hard, but taking accountability and doing some self-reflection can build your professional relationships. When you are working for someone who blames everything on everyone or anything, it gets old and frustrating pretty fast. People like this shouldn’t be running a company.
Can’t Handle the Heat Stay Out of the Kitchen
Being the head of a company or managing a team isn’t for everyone. Meetings can get heated, especially when you are passionate about what you want to accomplish. This involves all of the previous key points. Not everyone is always going to agree with an idea, and that’s ok.
The way you handle it is key. Remember, even if you disagree with someone, there is a way to have an effective discussion without raising voices or in a disrespectful manner. Listen to everyone’s point of view and reasoning without cussing others out when you feel threatened. And please don’t cry and storm off! Are we five years old? Did you just get your shovel taken away in the sandbox? No, you’re an adult, act like one.
Final Thoughts
I have been part of ownership and management teams that have struggled with these key components in creating a culture. Most people leave jobs for poor management, and it usually trickles down from the top of the company. These tips are necessary to keep morale high so that your partners and employees enjoy coming to work on a daily basis. Business isn’t all fun and games, but it shouldn’t feel like walking on eggshells. With the correct structure and environment, you will be sure to have a five-star rating on Indeed job reviews.
Point of Vision 