DAY 74 - HOW IMPORTANT IS CULTURE?

I hope you’re following along as we countdown the final 100 days of 2022 - you can join us anytime. Learn more about the program HERE.

During my morning walk this week, I was listening to a podcast about the importance of strong and positive company culture.  I could not agree more.  I believe that culture can make or break a business.  I’ve seen it before.  Whether it’s a corporate environment, a manufacturing company, a school, or a church, if there is not a positive, inclusive, and engaging culture for the employees, it is very difficult to be successful.  

I recognize that there are financially lucrative companies in spite of a toxic culture.  But I would not categorize them as successful.  I believe a successful company is one that meets its financial objectives AND where the employees feel seen, valued, and heard.  

I worked in the financial services world for decades.  I’ve seen firsthand the impact culture has when it’s positive and when it’s not.  Having led large teams, I felt it was my responsibility to set the culture for my team.  It extended far beyond what we had on paper, it’s how we cared for our employees and customers through communication, who we hired, how we managed difficult situations, and what we tolerated.  

Employees are the lifeblood of every company.  I knew that if our employees did not feel they mattered, it would permeate through to our customers.  So, for me, culture started at the top.  And if I was not careful, it would also die at the top.

So here are my questions for you:

• How important is culture to you?

• If the culture is not positive, is that alone enough to make you want to leave?