Every team has a culture and getting yours right is the key to success.
Culture is a collection of values, behaviours, practices and beliefs that create the guiding principles all team members should follow in order to thrive together and achieve common goals.
In short, it is ‘the way we do things around here’. It’s the rules of the game, the acceptable behaviours, the collective thought and it is what binds and unites a team.
Team culture should grow organically from your vision and mission statements.
Your vision statement is your grand plan for the future. It’s your end goal. It is a statement you should frequently reference to check that your business is on track and heading in the right direction.
Your mission statement is a declaration of the actions your business will take in the present day to achieve your vision.
If they are clear and concise, they will naturally indicate the type of culture required to achieve them. As you recruit employees into your business, they should share your vision and demonstrate personality traits that work well in your workplace.
Your culture should be flexible and accommodating with agreed limits that drive your workforce towards your business goals. When nurtured effectively culture can be one of your businesses greatest USPs (Unique Selling Points), distinguishing you from your competition and placing your business ahead in the marketplace. It does this by adding non-tangible value that gives your business a leading edge.
After all, a workforce that embraces its culture is typically happier and more engaged than a workforce who do not. They will demonstrate higher efficiency and productivity which can lead to greater staff retention and enhanced customer satisfaction.