By Barbara Britt’ Culture Strategist
Being a great place to work is the difference between being a good company and a great company.
~Brian Kristofek, President and CEO, Upshot~
What I love about my business most of all is that culture really is everyone’s business. If we are to grow personally and professionally it is imperative that we take time for self-reflection and environment inspection to determine how to evolve into that human we are destined to become.
So, let’s begin by analyzing, imagining and then creating the culture in which we want to live, play, work, and thrive. First, we must understand that positive culture really does influence quality and quantity of production and investment in the workplace. Shared values and beliefs of individuals within an entity create the culture of that institution or organization. Before you initiate the process of finding a job or career that aligns with your convictions take time to reflect on the work environment you envision. Determine if you’re the type of person you would want them to hire. Here are some questions to ask yourself during your reflection time:
What informs my work values and ethics?
These are the guiding principles that are most important to you about the way that you work.
What are my nonnegotiable values?
These are values that you are not willing to compromise.
What value am I bringing to a company or organization?
Be extremely truthful and don’t spend time being judgmental.
Lastly, how do you want to grow professionally and personally during your time with them?
Identify career goals that you wish to attain while employed by this organization.
Now let’s consider environments and cultures that would be the best soil for you and the company to grow and thrive.
Do you require office space at home or there?
Would working in cubicles or open floor plan work the best for you?
Will quiet or noisy surroundings be an important factor?
Will you be working in collaboration or by yourself most of the time?
Is your workday structured or do you work at your own pace as long as the work is accomplished?
How and when will you socialize with your co-workers and is that an expectation of management or an expectation of your coworkers?
What will be your relationships with immediate supervisors and top leadership?
How much room are you given to develop and expand your skills and talents and are education and training readily available?
Are you encouraged to think outside of the box and allowed to collaborate with others to knock down the sides of the box?
Now you are ready to either find that business or evaluate your current business for suitability.
A Big question: What constitutes a great place for you to work and flourish? You must start by researching, researching, and then research so more. Next time we will go into the actual research and interview process.
Please go to barbarabritt.com, for more information and to find a course/training or a speaker just right for you.
