BDR Coaches Corner: Building Blocks of a Successful Culture

Building Blocks of a Successful Culture

One of the things many successful organizations have in common is having developed and maintaining a culture where high achievement and positive change is embraced throughout the organization.  This successful business culture is built upon a solid foundation of Vision, Values and Mission statements that clearly describe and define the culture, give it life and inspire all to embrace it.  With a solid foundation, culture is then established by weaving it throughout the organization.  The building blocks for building this culture are structure, systems, style, skills, staffing and strategies. 

Structure: In developing a strong culture, the fewer the levels within the organization (as viewed on the Organizational Chart), the easier and quicker the culture can be infused.  Observing key managers “living” the culture is critical for those further removed to embrace the culture themselves.  As the culture is firmly embedded, the hierarchy can then grow deeper.

Systems: Successful organizations identify key activities and behaviors that are critical to the success of the organization and its culture.  Processes and procedures for these are established, documented and rigidly adhered to.  Everyone is expected to follow the process.

Style: Open communication where information is freely shared without fear of reprisal is essential for a strong and positive culture.  In this environment, team members actively work together for the success of one another and the organization.  Accountability and celebration are essential elements.

Skills: Individual and organizational competence in meeting the wants and needs of the customer – both internal and external is critical.  An organization and its people must be exceptional in the core areas of the success.  Understanding limitations and weaknesses keeps organizations and individuals from promising that which they cannot exceptionally deliver.

Staffing:  Ultimately, people determine the effectiveness of the culture.  Attitudes and behaviors of the people carry the culture forward.  Therefore, hiring and retaining individuals who embrace the organization’s vision and mission and share the organization’s values are essential.  Assessing individuals prior to hiring for abilities, motivation, interest and personality helps onboard culture-compatible individuals (Ask your coach about assessment testing through Recruit 4 Business).   After hiring, an individual’s ability and desire to mesh with the culture becomes the measuring stick for continued employment.

Strategies: The plan of action developed and employed to carry forward the mission, vision, and values of the organization is the strategy.  A strategy is a high-level and long-term set of measurable milestones that generally include financial goals. Within the strategy are lower-level goals – or tactical goals – with shorter timeframes and more specific objectives.  From the strategic and tactical goals, operations goals – short-term measurable goals – are established.  All goals must align with the strategy.

In summary, successful organizations develop and maintain a culture of success by establishing a strong foundation with a clear and inspiring vision; strong, shared values and a well-defined mission.  The structure, systems, style, skills, staffing and strategies are built upon that foundation and work in harmony to ensure the successful culture thrives.

Wahoo!

Kevin Nott

Head Coach