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Three Easy Ways to Build a Great Company Culture
 In a perfect world, your team would be the cream of the crop: high-performing go-getters who are loyal, creative and passionate about their jobs. But life's not perfect, right? Well actually, in this case, it is. You can attract rock star staffers without paying Microsoft-size salaries, and it all begins by intentionally building a great company culture where people want to work.
Just like Rome, though, an awesome workplace can't be built in a day. But you can get started with the following easy-to-execute tips.
Show Them You Care
The best way to begin is by implementing one of the most powerful but simplest of policies—the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Luke 6:31). It's one of the core principles of Dave's company and is practiced by every person on his team.
Simply put yourself in their shoes and then act the way you want to be treated. When you would expect praise, praise. When you would expect grace, give grace. When you would expect a reprimand, give it promptly and privately, because that is what you would want.
Someone on Dave's team played an important role in landing a $1.2 million deal. It was outside of this team member's area, so Dave didn't have to pay him a commission. He did anyway. Why? Dave follows the Golden Rule—plus he wanted him to do it again!
Cast Your Vision
How can you fire up your team and keep them inspired? Repeatedly let them know what they are working toward. Share your vision with them early and as often as possible. In fact, Dave says it is impossible to talk about your vision too much. "When you cast a big vision, the team sees what part they play, and you are pulling people into goals instead of pushing them," he says.
Let Them Know They Matter
Everyone yearns to be appreciated, and that includes your team members. They want to know they matter. And one of the easiest ways to show how much you value them is by recognizing them. Make a habit of catching people doing something right and let them know about it.
It can be simple as a smile and a nod. Many leaders at Dave's office write notes to their team members. The few minutes they take to pen the letters equal a year's worth of goodwill. How about a $50 handshake or simply recognizing them in front of their peers? The value is immeasurable. But don't stop there. Let others know about them too. It raises your team up and shows them they are valued.
The above tips are just a few simple ideas to get you started. They are the first steps to taking your business and your team to the next level. As you build a better and better culture, people will line up to join your team, and customers will be right behind them. Everyone is happy and leadership becomes what it is supposed to be—satisfying and fun.
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To learn more about business, team building and leadership, download our EntreLeadership podcasts, which include lessons from Dave plus interviews with key business leaders from across the nation. This week, host Chris LoCurto discusses company culture with Jenn Lim, Chief Happiness Officer of Delivering Happiness, a company she co-created with Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com. |
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Chris Mefford
VP–Live Events
If you are skeptical about the power of a great company culture, come talk to me. Because every day, I'm lucky enough to see it in action. Here are my favorite things about working for Dave:
I love how crazy and competitive our team gets during our Christmas decorating contest. I love the catered weekly lunches. I love the no-gossip policy we have. I love the paid week off, on top of our vacation time, to do service or ministry around the world. I love how much fun we all have every day. I love how much we laugh around here. I love how everyone is dedicated to excellence, not perfection. I love profit sharing. I love the fantastic speakers we get to hear every single Wednesday. I love how working in an environment like this is so energizing. I love the great team culture we have. I simply love working here.
About Chris
Chris leads a team that creates and coordinates numerous live events in cities across the country, helping thousands of people. He's also the producer of the EntreLeadership Podcast, the number-one business podcast in the country. Prior to his new position, Chris oversaw of all the advertising and marketing for Dave's live events, including television, radio, print, web and social media. Before joining Dave's team, Chris owned an advertising agency that catered to small- and medium-sized businesses.
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