I am the Head of Organizational Development of a well-known industry leader. We believe that values and culture are important for the growth of an organization and employee engagement. However, of late, I am witnessing a slack in the organizational culture, both in belief and practice. Though it is not disturbing yet, I would like to take it up strongly to ensure that it does not lead to a crisis in the future. I would like you to share your thoughts on creating awareness and building a strong organizational culture.
Sincerely,
Concerned HR
Dear Concerned,
A culture based on a strongly held and widely shared set of beliefs supported by strategy and structure is the key to a successful organization. It takes focused efforts to sustain an organizational culture.
Here are a few steps that, rest assured, will be useful to inculcate culture back into your organization:
- Decide and Act: The first step is to decide what works best in your organization for maximum productivity and satisfaction. Act by putting that culture into place for successful results.
- Be a Teacher: Voice out your thoughts about the current organizational culture and your intentions for a better future, loud and clear, regularly, to your employees. This will ensure that everybody is on the same page, and eventually, it will become a reality. Your effective teaching will bring in the desired change. Share case studies and scenarios to make them understand the importance of a particular culture in the organization.
- Own the Culture: Every single employee should take it up and set the ball rolling. It’s the responsibility of the employees to showcase their commitment to the organization’s culture in every aspect of their work.
- Discuss Culture: Come out with a definition of your culture. Have an open discussion with your people. Share ideas and views. You may end up in utter confusion or disagreement. But it will be the starting point and will eventually bring clarity.
- Display Culture: Put the vision in writing. Live it up. Match the words and deeds. Make your leadership team walk the talk; display culture through them. Cultures are well depicted during hard times. Let the leaders display the inherent culture of the organization in tackling such hard situations.
- Communicate & Reward: Employees must carry positive insights about the organization. Make sure that there are no communication gaps within the organization. An open working environment brings in transparency which is a good culture. Rewards also play an integral part in forming a cordial culture in the organization.
Finally, you cannot develop an organizational culture in a day. It requires focus, dedication, commitment and most of all, persistence. However, with the right attitude and a bit of luck, it’s possible!
Here is something you might want to read about nurturing a culture of care: https://avtarcc.com/diversity-digest/diversity-in-the-workforce/nurturing-a-culture-of-carehood-in-the-workplace/
