In the early days of a new business, the owner has the privilege of sketching out his business vision to make it a viable project. However, leadership and shaping corporate culture require considerable effort because this is what a successful business is based on. The Business 2 Community website has prepared a few small tips that can have a big impact on your business:
Do not try to manage, lead
You may think that everything is understood and it is unnecessary to communicate further. How many of you, or a responsible person under your leadership, have a natural authority with your team? Manager is a title signifying the level of your position, while leader is a title signifying loyalty and trust which is given by your people. In addition, relationships and loyalty often depend on people's perception of this value even while other values are in decline. Are you a leader or "just" a manager?
Build confidence from the beginning
Budding entrepreneurs perceive their fledgling project as their child and so unfortunately they often have a tendency to micromanage. However, is it good to keep looking over your employees' shoulders and watch over every part of the process? How about a bit of trust instead of pressure and restlessness? If you want to be a leader (not just a manager) and you want your people to trust you, trust them as well. Trust your own choice: you have hired good people, right?
Action requires a response
You always try communicate your ideas to your team clearly. Are you also able to listen to their views? If your business is blossoming, it is understandable that you have a lot of interesting ideas which make you excited. However, criticisms, comments, and suggestions from your employees are also important. They are the most familiar with business processes. If they are open towards you, also be open towards them, and always provide specific feedback. With no feedback, your people will feel that their efforts came to naught.
Remember to balance
The topic of balancing work and leisure activities is often reiterated, but an important element in building a corporate culture is maintaining the health of your workforce. When you start a business, it is clear that you and your people will have to sacrifice a lot of energy and time to successfully convert vision into practice. You are probably not able to provide your employees with a free pool, gym, or hairdresser within the company as Google does. You can try other benefits. Start with breaks, informal lunches with colleagues or arrange discounts on sports activities nearby. Do you know about MultiSportCard?
A business's company culture often does not work in any aspect because it is frequently mixed up with its working environment. Culture should be a sharing of interests and experiences. The best way to motivate people and build a healthy culture is finding motivators right in the beginning. Find out what your employees enjoy outside work. Give them a space where they will be able to mentally recharge and relax for a moment during the busy working day.
-bn-