Four Crucial Parts to a World Class Culture

Culture is nothing more than the environment we work in and the people that we work with.

Building a consistent foundation will help create awareness for everyone. Exactly how they fit into the organization and how what they do really matters…and why! These are crucial “must haves” if we are going to create a world class experience for our employees.

Often times, and in most organizations, people are confused. Not really knowing what direction they are going, or what is really expected of them. They may lack understanding on how they add value, and clarity around what they are working to accomplish? Do you, or have you, ever felt this way? Know anyone else that has? Well, you’re not alone!

Because studies continue to show that 71% of people come to work every single day either disengaged or actively disengaged with their job and the organizations they work for,  we must create an environment, or culture, that has clear direction with a path that everyone wants to follow.

Let’s dive into the four parts that help create the foundation of a world class culture or environment. These four parts are: Clarity, Alignment, Communication, and Value.

Clarity – Clarity starts with us first:

1. Why do we do what we do?
2. What are our goals?
3. How do we “fit in” to the overall vision of the organization?
4. Who do we impact?
5. What are my top expectations of my team?
6. Are my top expectations clear to my team?

Answering these questions, sets the cultural foundation to create an understanding of “where the bus is going”.

Alignment – Alignment leads us to an entirely new set of questions:

1. Do I agree with the direction of my position?
2. Do I believe in the direction of my team, my department, and the organization?
3. Does my team agree with the direction?
4. Does my team align with how they fit into the organization?

By answering these questions, everyone knows where the bus is going. Your culture is beginning to take hold. Next, we must make sure everyone wants to move in that direction, are aligned and know how they fit in.

Communication – We must communicate clearly, both up and down the organization to have the most impact. Without proper communication, clarity and alignment simply won’t happen.

1. Set crystal clear expectations.
2. Understand your team and their expectations.
3. Hold effective one-on-one meetings. 

Now, everyone knows where the bus is going and how they fit in. Your culture represents consistent, clear and open communication that will ensure employees are engaged and encouraged to participate.

Value – Understanding your value, and exactly how to help your people understand the true value that they bring everyday into the organization is critical:

1. What do we really do?
2. How does what we do matter?
3. Who benefits by what we do?

By answering these questions, along with understanding each person’s personal “why”, everyone knows exactly where the bus is going and how they fit in. They feel encouraged and willing to participate in organizational goals. And now, they understand the Personal Value of their contribution.

Remember, building a consistent and solid foundation will help create awareness for everyone. They know exactly how they fit into the organization, how what they do really matters…and why!