It’s funny to me, keeping an eye on the many companies that put themselves into the business mindset of culture, that they actually have no idea what culture means. Now, I will not name names or point fingers in this post but I just want you to think of the differences here.
When you take your company and you want your employees to feel part of a culture, part of an exclusive enterprise to enjoy their job and be productive within that scope, you cannot allow that culture to become a clique.
Should you have had a secluded middle school and high school aged personality a clique is that group of kids that are always together with their gossip, exclusivity, and sometimes down-right rudeness towards others outside of their sanctuary of friends.
You should really stick away from having a “too exclusive”(for lack of better words) culture. Let people in, let people understand your companies culture, if they don’t understand it how can they adapt to it, how can they learn to become part of the culture if not already established in their personality. Don’t let personality block culture. Those are two entirely different concepts that when done correctly can mix to have some of the best employees for your company! Personalities can always bring new ideas and new projects to a culture. Lets say that you have an extreme introvert, in a very extroverted company. Sure, personalities won’t mix. Where does this person’s cultural aspects lie within the company though? That’s more what you should be looking at. How can this person benefit the new idea, and aspect of what you’re looking for?
A culture should always form part of a society, not a separate society in itself. Remember to always keep your people happy, use them to your benefit. These are the people that will make or break your company.
Whether with customer service, marketing, Human Resources, accounting, a happy employee will be glad to do their work for you and more importantly for the benefit of the company.
You’re not trying to set up an exclusive company where it’s almost impossible to work in. Everyone always needs new employees to help expand and become a place where people want to buy your product, and people want to use your services. So be what people need, and what clients want.
Your culture should give the the best of both worlds, employees and customers.
Image by occhi da orientale
