There are those companies out there who seem to be doing everything right. Operating a small business involves so many risks, so many unpredictable factors that what you really need is a company culture that will truly foster success.
A successful culture, of course, starts at the top with you. It is you that everyone looks to for how to behave. Are you micromanaging? Are you always looking to blame? Are you taking your employees for granted?
If that is you, there is a better way. Many businesses today do, unfortunately operate that way and many seem to find some manner of success. However, regardless of size, those businesses that find true and long lasting success have created a company culture that makes people want to come to work everyday. It creates a company that everyone wants to work for.
- Again, everything starts at the top with you. Be a leader and teach your managers to lead rather than just try to manage. Most people don’t have any idea how to manage, anyway. It is more art than science but one thing it does involve is responsibility. Give credit where it is due, and to whom it is due, and take the responsibility for the failures of the ideas that didn’t work. This garners respect and shows your employees that it really is all about the company and not about individuals and politics.
- You must create an atmosphere of openness where anyone of your employees can speak up about anything without fear of reprisal or of being fired. Once they know they can come to you with anything, they will. You will be surprised by what you learn about your company, and your people, and how it can have a truly positive affect on the working atmosphere at your business. What’s more, they need to know that you will act on their concerns not simply nod your head or dismiss it. If you do that, they will never come to you. This means there could be some serious problems that stay hidden that could damage your business.
- When the legendary Jack Welch was running General Electric, he had a policy that involved getting rid of his bottom 10% every year. Each year, all GE employees were evaluated according to certain criteria. Those who finished in the bottom 10% got the axe. Getting rid of your slackers and trouble makers is something you must do. It will improve company performance and will be a huge leap to employee morale. Everyone knows who the deadbeats in your business are. Stop carrying them. Not only do you make your company better but you send a couple of messages as well. First, you send a message letting it be known that you expect excellence from yourself and your employees. The second message is that employees will actually see that you will not carry the deadwood anymore. This will be a huge boost to both morale and performance.
-Written by Kevin Sawyer
