Planting, Protecting, and Propagating Your Culture
Release Date: 10/22/2021
Leading to Fulfillment - Episode Zero
Adventures in Businessing
While there will not be new episodes of Adventures in Businessing, we are excited to announce a brand new podcast. Here is a sneak peek with our episode zero. Leading to Fulfillment is a weekly 30 to 40 minute podcast that highlights the impact of People-First leaders and teams where fulfillment is the true measure of success.. In each episode James Laws has conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and other thinkers from all walks of life and kinds of businesses to find out how they think & lead differently and make decisions that lead to fulfilling work and fulfilled teams.
info_outline
Parting on Good Terms
Adventures in Businessing
O Oysters,' said the Carpenter,
info_outline
Navigating Tension in a Business Partnership
Adventures in Businessing
Whether you’re considering taking on a partner for your business, or you’re well into one within your organization, tension comes in many different forms, from minor, slow, and creeping to sudden, impactful, and concerning.
info_outline
Why Form a Business Partnership
Adventures in Businessing
Leading, planning, and managing-- while they can and have been accomplished by solopreneurs, it certainly isn’t easy. Is the answer to find a partner in crime?
info_outline
How to Get the Most out of Business Events
Adventures in Businessing
In the last episode, our hosts discussed the importance of business events, their potential for deep thought, creativity, networking, and the additional benefits they bring.
info_outline
The Importance of Business Events
Adventures in Businessing
We’ve talked extensively about culture in recent episodes, but what’s next? Business travel and events, that’s what! If done correctly, with the right goals in mind, business events can be such an effective tool for camaraderie, networking, creativity, inspiration, and fun!
info_outline
Planting, Protecting, and Propagating Your Culture
Adventures in Businessing
Across the last few episodes we’ve covered all things ‘Company Culture’: defining exactly what it is, and how purpose and values contribute to, guide, and otherwise influence your culture’s development.
info_outline
Discovering Your Values
Adventures in Businessing
Even if you’ve not acknowledged or prepared for it, values should drive your company. Whether you’re the person who established your company or not...you likely won’t be the only one who decides upon, contributes to, influences, and nurtures the organization’s values.
info_outline
Discovering Purpose
Adventures in Businessing
Discovering Purpose is a fundamental psychological need. Without it we’re so often driven into the darker aspects of life: self-destruction, callousness, or outright apathy. However, it could be argued that with purpose we’ll never reach an upward limit of human ingenuity and potential.
info_outline
What is Company Culture
Adventures in Businessing
Company culture. For a thing that’s become so ubiquitous in nearly all workplaces, why is it that so many of us are unable to define it, unsure of its impact, and unaware of the things that can shape, harm, and evolve it.
info_outlineShow Notes:
- [0:00:46] Intro | Timely Topics
- A brief recap of our series on culture.
- Minimal, memorable, and meaningful values.
- [0:02:05] Planting, Protecting, and Propagating Your Culture
- The power of alliteration.
- You can plant the seeds of your culture.
- ...but you can't force it.
- Culture is something you can determine and discover.
- Your purpose and values have to align with themselves and your culture at large.
- You have to check on this regularly, preferably annually.
- Pruning & What to Fight for
- Has your organization changed enough to warrant culling or adding a core value?
- Your mission statement can change as well.
- [0:10:30] How do You Reinforce Your Culture?
- With action!
- Culture without action is just aspirational consideration.
- Memorialize your values and display them for all to see.
- Every member of your leadership should be reminding, and living out by example, what's important in your company.
- With action!
- [0:16:30] Reminder: You Already Have a Company Culture
- Culture is always growing, even if you choose to ignore it.
- Don't ignore it.
- Culture is always growing, even if you choose to ignore it.
- [0:17:30] Other Ways You Can Develop Your Culture
- Celebrate and congratulate culture growth publicly.
- Ask questions based on your values during the interview and hiring processes.
- Just be mindful that you aren't using this as a way to discriminate.
- Your company values should impact the questions you ask.
- Reward those who demonstrate and protect your culture.
- If someone challenges your leadership or decision based on a core value...GOOD!
- Acknowledge and reward people for calling out when something doesn't live up to the organization's core values.
- If someone challenges your leadership or decision based on a core value...GOOD!
- Be careful of absolutes.
- Not everyone will be a fit for your organization.
- But if you have your values well defined, everyone will know what is and is not a good fit.
- [0:26:58] Final Thoughts on Planting, Protecting, and Propagating Your Culture
- "This is incredibly important work, and your work is never done."
- If can feel like you're not doing the most important thing when working on and being intentional about culture.
- ...but it's arguably one of the most important aspects of your business.