Tag: Work Good

When we talk about cultural differences we tend to think about differences in national cultures. But being involved in several international projects with people from different backgrounds and sectors, I noticed that even within one country, there are some cultural hurdles to overcome. Within a country differences might occur based on regional heritage, religion, history, local dialects and more.

But there is also something as the Company Culture. If we want know why some businesses are more successful than others, you might think about pragmatic or functional reasons, like a lower price or better technical specifications. But more important, a deal might be rewarded because both parties have a click. Like having the feeling this person, representing this company, will do as they promise. It’s about trust and leveling, based on the same believes.

The Company Culture is about how your organization handles things based on the norms and values in your enterprise. In more detail, it’s about the shared etiquettes, values, visions, rules, customs, beliefs and habits. It’s how your organization works, It’s how you and your colleagues, and in the end the external stakeholders, collaborate. You represent your company culture.

There are a few main drivers and focus points to be recognized in your organization. Is you company internal focused or external oriented? Is your organization open to flexibility and discretion vs. stability and control? What is the culture in your company, can you describe this?

This Company Culture is formed during the history of your company by all people present and by the new people joining your organization. Mostly it follows the changes during time, and is formed unintentionally on a subconscious level. But please know you can influence this culture. By steering your company culture the outcome in business results might be higher as expected. According some studies it can improve results by 200% or more. So why not give your company culture more attention and focus?

A truthful business is when you have a healthy balance between who you really are and who you want to be. In other words it’s closing the gap between your authenticity and your ambition.

WHO YOU ARE (authenticity)

Your company is existing now for some years. Once started with a dream to sell and get rich. This according the founder(s) believes how this goal should be achieved and what the company should be. Telling what the audience would like to hear, in order to sell stuff.
During this endeavor you were so focused on selling that you forgot who you truly are and why you started this adventure in the first place. You only listened to the voice of your market audience and responded to it accordingly.

What if you would listen to your own inner voice…. about what you really care about. In your life as director or owner of your business. What are your personal values and your company core values? Can you take one step back and think it over to find what is really important and to take action on it?

WHO YOU WANT TO BE (ambition)

Perhaps you are unsatisfied with the present situation within your company. Simply because the results are declining, or your company cannot comply to the latest trends and developments. On a more subtle level, you feel uncomfortable by only making profit and know there is more to it.

As a conscious business leader you realize it has to change. A new and alternative approach has to be chosen, one way or another. Set your (company) ambitions to a higher level. By involving all people around you, make impact in your community, add extra value to your offering that your clients will talk about. You are doing this, just because.

A TRUTHFUL BUSINESS

A truthful business is acting by the heart, which takes no effort at all. Not shouting out how good you are and spending large marketing budgets. This is old fashioned window dressing for short term wins. If you want set long term sustainable goals, communicate and act in a transparent way to your clients, employees, partners and others. Trust me, they will see and feel the difference, because it is the natural way to go. (and it feels good…)