Amazing Mondays

What is company culture? If you asked 100 executives, you’d probably get 100 different answers. Though there may be some debate about what it is or isn’t, every leader should know three facts about company culture. #1 A basic company culture definition A simple definition is company culture is the shared beliefs, assumptions, and norms of an organization’s team members. In essence, it is the rules people in the company actually live by whether written or not.  #2 Company culture is constantly evolving Company culture is not static—it is constantly evolving. If a company has a strong culture today, it [...]

Two of the most important days in your employees' employment life cycle are their first day and their last. While many days will be forgotten, these two will most likely be remembered for years to come. The first day of work is typically filled with anticipation and excitement. It is a day most people look forward to, prepared to discover what your company is truly all about and make a contribution. The last day may be a mixed bag of emotions. However, regardless of the situation, this final day will leave a lasting impression. Even when having to let someone [...]

Nowadays we often hear about a “new normal”. If you are looking to embrace a new normal, I encourage you to focus on building an exceptional company culture.  You can embrace this new normal by recognizing and praising your team members more often.  By striving to create more clarity around a shared purpose, vision, and values.  By being more positive and grateful.  Through setting clear goals and consistently measuring results.  With being a better example of the way you want everyone to behave and act in your organization. Yes things have changed since the pandemic hit but only you will [...]

If “why” is the most important word for 2021, then “how” is a close second.  I think most would agree that getting results at all costs is not ok, yet too many leaders still behave in this way.  And consequently, they completely undermine their long-term effectiveness and ultimately their legacy.  Any competent leader can achieve temporary results.  It takes a special leader to create the kind of performance that lasts. Leaders must pay attention to “how” they obtain results in order to create success that endures. Does your “how” unite, rally, motivate, and build people?  Or does it destroy, divide, [...]

What is the best way to increase customer loyalty?   Focus on improving employee loyalty.  Too many organizations waste resources on programs to boost customer loyalty while ignoring their team member experience. With zero long-term improvements, they then wonder, “What happened?”  If your employees aren’t loyal to your company, it is doubtful your customers will be. Your team must be loyal to your company first, before your customers will ever be.  Therefore, customer loyalty starts with your team.  As you focus on improving your company’s culture, it will have a significant impact on your customers' devotion to your organization.   [...]

During my conversations with leaders, a common sentiment is often brought up. Many leaders are concerned about a general lack of motivation among their workforce. Thus, the question becomes, how do we motivate our teams?   One of the simplest ways to motivate your people is through establishing clear goals. I’ve found that once someone knows what they are working toward, they begin to make progress on achieving it.   Goals are important to motivation because they give us milestones and objectives to reach. They also provide direction and focus in a busy work environment. Additionally, they offer us a way to [...]

It’s the new year and many of us are focused on 2021 goals. As a leader, what is your plan to ensure you achieve them this year?  Here are three things you can do to make sure you reach them.  #1 is to create clarity around your goals.  Too many goals are never reached simply because people don’t know about them or they don’t understand them.  Making sure goals are very clear in the minds of your team by explaining and repeating them often is a critical first step to achieving them.   #2 is to consistently track progress toward reaching [...]

“Why” is the most important word for 2021. The reason is because now more than ever, people want to contribute to a cause and make a difference. People want a clear purpose for doing what they are doing. They want to be inspired. Establishing a clear “why” is one of the most important steps to accomplishing New Year’s resolutions and other goals.  Without a clearly understood “why”, it is easy to lose motivation or get distracted. Those who do not focus on “why” this year will lose momentum and will find it harder and harder to sustain their results. On [...]

I love this time of year when so many of us are focused on giving to others. Giving is a wonderful thing. It softens hearts, changes behavior, and strengthens relationships. Giving has a positive impact on both the receiver and the giver. Meaningful giving can even change lives. As a business leader, what do you plan to give to those you lead this year? Will it be a year-end bonus, a company logoed facemask, or another nice gift? Will it be a heart-felt Christmas card with some extra praise, appreciation, and recognition? All of these would be fine gifts.  However, [...]

If you could change one thing about your workplace culture, what would it be?   Sometimes the idea of changing a company’s culture can seem overwhelming. It can feel like you're trying to eat an entire elephant in one bite.  And the larger the organization, the bigger the elephant!  Rather than trying to eat the elephant whole, consider selecting one aspect of your culture you’d like to change or improve and focus on that first.  Once this one area has improved, then take on another and another.  Suddenly, slowly bite by bite, you transform your culture. One reason I love this [...]