Construction Inclusion Week | Company Culture & Acceptance with BUILD

Across successful organizations, there is a common thread that weaves them together: exceptional company culture. Great culture is the lifeblood of prosperous companies, driving success by inducing positive attitudes, enhancing engagement, incentivizing desired behaviors, and thus increasing productivity. In this exploration of organizational vitality, we will look into the role of acceptance for the company and for those who many companies claim to be their most valuable asset: the employees.??

At the core of every thriving company culture lies a foundation of shared values and principles. Integrity, respect, and teamwork are commonly noted as essential values by companies across the economy. These are the cornerstone principles upon which a positive company culture is built.?

Integrity is the unwavering commitment to ethical behavior and ensures that every decision is made with honesty and transparency. Respect fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and individuals feel valued for their unique contributions. Teamwork, the synergy of collective effort, amplifies the potential of every team member, driving the organization toward its goals. Clearly, each of these values is rightfully placed at the center of efforts to create good company culture. However, there is another value that I believe is essential to great company culture: acceptance.?

A sense of belonging is a linchpin in fostering a healthy and productive company culture, and a big part of belonging is acceptance. Employees who feel valued and accepted within their workplace are more likely to experience higher job satisfaction. The more secure an individual feels in their professional environment, the more focused they can be on their tasks without the distraction of prejudice or bias. When individuals from diverse backgrounds feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to engage meaningfully, contribute creatively, and stay committed to the organization and its overall goals. Focus is key!?

When employees are accepted, they are more likely to actively participate in professional development opportunities. Supportive company cultures provide mentorship, training, and growth pathways, empowering employees to advance in their careers. Belonging enables individuals to envision a future within the organization, leading to increased motivation and dedication to their professional development. And acceptance is the first step in belonging.?

The Law of Solid Ground, John Maxwell’s sixth Law of Leadership (21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership), states that leadership is built on a foundation of trust. Without this trust, a leader cannot exert influence. A transformative leader is focused on creating and inspiring trust, empowering others after a genuine connection and a sense of belonging has taken hold. The Law of Solid Ground illuminates this path of acceptance and belonging, putting trust as an essential element to leadership. Distilled this means that: 1. an organization’s culture is only as good as its leaders, 2. leaders are only as good as their ability to develop a team, 3. teams thrive on trust, 4. trust develops from feeling accepted and having a sense of belonging.??

Within my own team, I often state that as coworkers we can easily spend more time with one another than we do with our families, so the work environment we foster not only impacts us professionally, the remnants of the workday seep into our personal. Therefore, a good work culture doesn’t just improve our lives at work—working in an environment of acceptance can improve one’s overall quality of life. When personal life and work life no longer have to be balanced on opposing sides of a scale but are intertwined through acceptance, belonging, and authenticity, we can create a truly engaged workforce.?

By embracing acceptance as a foundational value, leaders can lay the groundwork for a positive workplace environment. Through transformative leadership, they inspire trust and collaboration, creating a culture where every team member thrives professionally and personally. As businesses face continued challenges in an ever-changing world, we must continue to explore acceptance; it is the key to nurturing a thriving company culture that will create an enduring legacy.