Building Contagious Cultures: Is Your Company Culture Worth Spreading?

Whether we realize it or not, every company has a culture that is spreading - consciously or unconsciously - throughout its halls and communication lines and even zoom rooms. As leaders, it is our responsibility to shape this culture, to make it vibrant, inclusive, and positive. My mother always used to tell me, "You are either an example or a warning." This statement rings particularly true for us as leaders and the cultures we foster within our organizations. So, let's consider this: Is our company culture an example to be admired and emulated, or a warning to be avoided?

According to a Deloitte study , 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is crucial for business success. Their research also shows a strong correlation between employees who claim to feel happy and valued at work and those who reported robust, vibrant company cultures.

So how can we build a culture that is not just worth spreading but is naturally contagious, creating an energetic and successful organization?

Actionable Strategies for Cultivating Contagious Cultures

1. Create a Clear Vision: A compelling, well-communicated vision that is understood by all employees can guide behavior and decision-making.?Make it clear enough that folks can easily state what the company culture is all about and the overarching north star for where the company is heading.

2. Encourage Open Communication: Build an environment where employees feel safe expressing their opinions, ideas, and concerns. Regular town-hall meetings, feedback loops, and an open-door policy can support this.

3. Embrace Recognition: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate employees for their contributions. Recognition can range from a company-wide email to a simple 'thank you' note. Or even the words "I appreciate you" when you engage with your employees throughout the work day.

4. Promote Collaboration, Performance and Teamwork: Don't just focus on driving high performance which can lead to complete burnout. Help foster stronger bonds between employees by encouraging cross-departmental projects, and virtual or in-person social events to break down silos. You will be surprised about the impact this has on your organization.

5. Invest in Employee Development...Like For Real!: Show your employees that you're invested in their long-term career growth – beyond just what they can do for the company now. This could be through training, mentorship programs, democratizing coaching and learning across the organization. Beware though don't just say you offer these things within your organization and then don't allow time for employees to engage in them.

This leads me to the Big Idea: The culture of your organization, whether it serves as a warning or an example, is a reflection of your leadership. Cultivating a culture worth spreading requires a leader willing to embody the qualities they wish to see proliferate in their team.

Let's take a moment for reflection:

• How would you describe your company culture to someone outside the organization?
• How does your company culture enhance employee engagement and productivity?
• In what ways do your leadership behaviors shape the current culture?
• How are you actively investing in your team members' growth and development?
• If an aspect of your company culture isn't beneficial to your organization, what steps could you take to improve it?

Culture is continually spreading within your company. Each interaction, decision, policy, process, brilliant jerk, lack of decision-making, accountability or lack there of contributes to it. As leaders, it's our role and opportunity to ensure what spreads is positive, constructive, and aligns with our core values.

Share your thoughts with me on this question: What strategies have you found effective in building a culture worth spreading?

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