Can You Feel Your Organizational Culture?

What does it mean to feel a organizational culture? In my interviews with CEOs and Executives from Great Places to Work, they often spoke of feeling the culture and the role the corporate values play. In addition, I often felt the culture of an organization just walking in the door. The key is to help employees have a clear vision of the organization, where it is going and how they can help move the company forward. One of the most important aspects to identify the behaviors which will create the values an organization espouses and this will create the feel of the organization.

Often just by walking in the door you sense something about the organization.  When I first started interviewing CEOs a few years ago, my first stop brought this to light. I walked into Dixon-Schwabl to interview Lauren Dixon CEO of the best small business in America 2008 & 2010. As I entered the door I was struck by the laughter I heard in the back ground.  Secondly, the receptionist or Director of First Impressions as she is called greeted me with a big smile and went out of her way to make me feel comfortable. Even the way people interacted with Lauren while we walked through the building spoke volumes. How does it feel in your organization?

Last week, I spoke with Wes Cotter, Director Corp. Communications at Gilbane Building Co regarding employee engagement and the culture in which he works. He said, “It may sound a little hokie but, the 6 core values are for real …. You can feel them.” He went on to say that Gilbane has a 5 year rolling vision that is updated quarterly in which people come to understand where the company is headed an how they are doing. The values are communicated in all that Gilbane does. The company builds hospitals and universities and reminds the employees of the higher calling of their work.  The outcome… When I quoted the Gallop poll which found upwards of 70% of American employees are disengaged he responded, “Typically we don’t have disengaged employees our people care about people and the company.”

Finally, Company culture.com states a “balanced work culture allows people to satisfy their desire to be engaged and productive around the job. For example, most people want to be recognized by their team for their contributions, they want to be appreciated and know they are a valued member, they want to go home feeling they had a worthwhile productive day, and want to feel enthusiastic about returning the next day.” This does not happen by accident it takes foresight, a clear vision, roles and responsibilities clearly defined, recognition for a job well done and most importantly open communication methods that allow employees to be heard. When these things are truly in place, then the feel of the organization is created by the employees and it shows.