“ Your culture can either attract or repel your staff — and build or weaken your brand — while it affects guest loyalty . It can even boost sales and marketing without extra cost .”
standards that guide decision-making . These are what your organization actually promotes , demonstrates and invests in , not just its stated values . Google , for instance , promotes a culture of innovation through its “ 20 percent time ” initiative , allowing employees to spend part of their workweek on projects they are passionate about . l Action : Choose one actionable value to focus on every two months . Create activities such as a discussion group or a good-spirited competition to reinforce this value among staff .
2 . Communication style : A culture of openness and transparency can lead to increased collaboration and trust among team members , while a closed communication style may create silos and hinder teamwork . Zappos , for example , fosters a culture where employees feel free to share ideas and feedback , resulting in an environment of collaborative problem-solving and innovation in both products and processes . l Action : Choose a communication problem in your workplace and share your concern openly with your team . Have them help you create a new approach or standard to address it and measure your progress over a set period of time .
3 . Leadership style : The way leaders motivate , guide and manage employees shapes and defines their company ’ s culture . Their actions demonstrate their organization ’ s true values . Consider a director who tells their team they value wellness and self-care , but always works late and never eats lunch . l Action : Request peer evaluations for insights about your leadership . Ask for challenging feedback that will inspire improvement goals related to organizational culture .
4 . Work environment : A supportive workspace enhances employee satisfaction and productivity , while a negative environment leads to disengagement and high turnover . Companies like Airbnb create open spaces for collaboration and relaxation to promote creativity and employee well-being . l Action : While not every organization has the budget for fancy amenities , even a simple effort can make a difference . Inviting staff members to make recommendations to improve the space can lift morale and demonstrate inclusion . Ask your team to suggest a space or an amenity they would like to add or improve . Lead a discussion on one or two possibilities that are cost effective and actionable . Show accountability and trust by executing the team ideas as soon as possible .
5 . Recognition and reward systems : Recognition motivates employees and reinforces desired behaviors while building a culture of excellence . A simple but consistent rewards and appreciation system shapes the organizational culture by influencing employee behaviors , norms and overall performance , ultimately impacting the organization ’ s success . l Action : Build a simple employee appreciation program that rewards specific behaviors and performance standards in line with your organization ’ s values . Involve your team in creating the program for greater buy-in .
By evaluating these five essential elements and implementing action steps , you can create a culture that supports your team ’ s success . If you cannot complete action items for each of the five areas of culture , choose three to begin with and take action . Be sure the way you do it reflects the culture you want to build . Consider inclusivity , having fun and showing another side of your character as a leader . n
DR . JONATHAN ELLERBY provides custom support and leadership programs to facilitate balancing accountability with the powerful tools of emotional intelligence , psychological safety , mindfulness and well-being . | jonathanellerby . com
MARCH / APRIL 2025 n PULSE 31