My Secret Culture Playbook
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Peter Drucker. . HERE IS MY CULTURE PLAYBOOK HIGHLIGHTS Culture Definition: The feeling our employees have on Sunday night. Goal: Create a culture where our team would take a bullet for each other (non-lethal at least) 1) Team Communication Communication is the foundation of culture. The first thing people say when they leave a company is "they have bad communication". It is impossible to explain how to establish communication systems here, but just read the book Scaling Up by Verne Harnish and the section on meeting rhythms and follow it exactly as he says. 2) Create & Live Purpose, Mission, Vision, & Values. I get paid to speak on this and would be happy to answer any questions on this or do more posts on how to create and live these elements of what I call our "Culture Foundation". BUT this is what we talk about in every meeting. This is how we hire. This is how we fire. Every single person in the team should know, verbatim, our purpose, mission, vision, and values. If that's not happening, there is a huge opportunity here. 3) Individual Vision Meetings Held annually, not on the anniversary date. The agenda is a single question: "What do you want?" Then we coach them on building a vision for their career and life. Why? 88% of A players leave due to "not being able to see a future in the company." When our people see us as their coaches, they have a hard time leaving. Hold this meeting off-site and make it personal with lunch etc. 4) Celebrate and recognize any culture-positive activity. (Positive Feedback Loop) This is where culture creation becomes fun. From weekly shout-outs to company trips to celebrate hitting yearly goals to software (Bonusly.com is my fav), this is where you can enroll your team to HELP YOU create unique recognition and experiences that will keep them working hard. Why? Because what people help create, they buy into by default. Bonus: I love giving out nice trophies based on our company values annually, once a year, to our team over a fun dinner where we auction off prizes. Huge in my world.