The third New Hampshire Leadership Advantage event that Sojourn Partners hosted brought out some impressive, thoughtful, and common-sense leaders. I was prepared be inspired, but not expecting to leave so grounded in a subject that sometimes is presented as too complicated. Culture is not complicated after all.
Barbara Couch from Hypertherm emphasized that treating “associates” (they don’t use the word employee) with respect was the key to their success. Matt Albuquerque from Next Step Bionics and Prosthetics emphasized openness and authenticity. Tom O’Reilly from Logo Locs lives by his commitment of seeing all people as gifts and a responsibility to provide them the tools they need to thrive and be happy. To create a space where we all can appreciate the love of people others may not even see. Finally, Jeanine Tousignant from the Manchester Community Music School relies on relationships as the bridge to everything. We did not hear over complicated recipes of process. We heard, plain and simple, respect each other and go from there.
Here are a few of the take away items that we can all consider:
1. Write down your culture vision. Describe what it is looks and feels like and emphasis symbols, norms and values that help it exist.
2. Take stock in your mission. Celebrate “Mission Moments” and success stories.
3. Demonstrate positivity in the workplace. Emphasize gratitude for who you are and focus on what you can do to improve.
4. Champion feelings of trust, respect, passion, compassion and interconnectedness for the entire team, from CEO to the smallest contributor.
5. Create a sense of “We’re all in it together”, because you are.
6. Give back beyond your walls. Think of your organization as part of a larger social system and engage in your community.
7. Hire to the culture you want. Help people who need to connect better to your culture and never stop thinking of culture as part of your strategy for success.
8. Consider culture in making decisions, no matter how big or small.
9. Create bonding opportunities for your team. These should emerge from the team and never be forced or feel contrived.
10. Improve emotional intelligence and emphasize a coaching culture.
While these may seem like common sense, the real value these leaders impart on us is that culture is not a trivial thing. It’s the difference between doing a good job in your field and being extraordinary.
It also makes for a great place to work.