3 Secrets to Building an Exceptional Culture
What’s the first company that pops in your head when you think about organizations with excellent customer service and strong culture?
If Chick-fil-A popped into your mind, you’re not alone. Chick-fil-A has worked hard to create a unique approach to customer service and culture – one that is carefully maintained and built upon.
When examining organizations that have exceptional cultures, there is one thing that all have in common – people are valued before everything else.
A few other secrets to building an exceptional culture are:
1. Make Sure Your Team is Aligned on Your Purpose
Your organization’s purpose is your roadmap for success. It’s impossible to build an exceptional culture without having a clear vision of what your business is about and what your team is working toward. Your team and potential new team members should all be aware of your core values and purpose of your company, and they should be excited about working together to get closer to those goals.
Action steps your business can take:
- Create programs (compensation incentives, book clubs, volunteer opportunities, etc.) to get people aligned and excited to work together.
- Hold weekly meetings to align on overall business goals of your organization
2. Foster an Environment Where Truth Flows Freely
“In the midst of a world that’s grown tired of corporate doublespeak, conveying the truth in a respectful way when it comes to performance, expectations, and more is revolutionary,” said Dee Ann Tucker in It’s My Pleasure: The Impact of Extraordinary Talent and Compelling Culture.
Leadership and team members that speak the truth are a large component of what builds an exceptional workplace culture. As a business leader, it is important to foster a workplace environment where truth can flow freely about performance, internal and external issues, and how to better the workplace around you.
Action steps your business can take:
- Schedule a time for once-a-quarter coaching where each employee meets one-on-one with their manager to discuss what could be improved upon and what they are doing well.
3. Invest in Your People Regularly
Lastly, one of the best ways to build an exceptional culture is to invest in your people and talent regularly. Investing in your employees starts with their initial training and ends with the moment that they leave the company. This could include providing professional development opportunities, book clubs, financial incentives, etc. Whatever it may be, make sure that it matches up with your companies’ purpose and goals.
Action steps your business can take:
- Host a professional development course or luncheon once a month to provide your team with regular opportunities to grow.
- Think outside of the box – find different ways for your employees to learn, grow, and be motivated to show up to work each day with motivation. This could look like hosting a monthly book club, providing financial incentives, hosting optional courses, bringing in different speakers each month, etc.
Building exceptional culture starts with intentionality and carving out time to focus on what matters most – purpose, truth, and growth. At Snellings Walters, we strive to live by those three attributes every day. If you have any additional questions about our culture and what we do, click here or reach out to our team of insurance experts here to start a conversation.