The Culture Code: A Recipe For a Thriving Workplace

“Culture is not an initiative. Culture is the enabler of all initiatives.”?—?Larry Senn

Have you ever walked into a fancy office with elegant suits all around, expecting culture heroes only to find a lifeless atmosphere where everyone is glued to their computers, not noticing anyone around? Yep! Me too. Let’s talk culture, my friends…

For a few years now, the word “culture” has been echoing through the hallways of corporate offices and boardrooms, in meetings rooms and in interviews. But what exactly does this word mean? Let’s face it, just because we repeat a word like a mantra doesn’t mean we truly understand or embody it.

Let’s Keep it Real: No More Hype, Start Embracing Authenticity

I recall a call from a senior leader of a mid-sized company. Her opening line, “Culture is very important to us, we live by it and want to implement it through our journey” set the stage for what I thought would be a culture-driven haven. She immediately shared her company policies with me to go through. The written policy championed equal opportunities, employee well-being, and trust-building, even when processes failed. It sounded to me like a dream come true?—?a dreamland of workplace harmony.

However, the reality proved far from the dream. The culture, much like the leader herself, needed a crash course in what culture truly meant. She implemented a wellbeing allowance in employment contracts and established a requirement for team members to demonstrate their commitment to their wellbeing. To me, this allowance seemed more like a bandage, a weak attempt to soothe the wounds inflicted by the toxic work environment.

Culture: Guess what? It’s A Reflection of Your?Values

For those who toss around the term “culture” without understanding its essence, consider your own home. How do you want your family to behave? What are you willing to do to create a nurturing environment for them? It’s simple. You set the rules and you lead by example. You don’t just hope, expect, or think it’s happening just because you said it should. Don’t assume you’re naturally entitled to treating others as you please. You can’t threaten and create unhealthy environments, just because you pay the bills.

Forget the buzzwords and trends, people. Culture isn’t a formula you find online. It’s about how you treat each other, every single day. It’s the foundation upon which your organization thrives or collapses. It’s the incarnation of your values, reflected in your actions and policies. Just as you set the rules for your family and lead by example, you must guide your workplace culture.

Come Back Down to Earth: Let’s Be Reasonable and Practical

Building a good culture is a process. No one said that it’s magic and it happens overnight. But you’re the star and the influencer, and it all begins with you. Remember, when you attempt to build something, you must first believe in it, then put your heart to it and be consistent all the way.

Actions: Oh! They Do Speak Louder Than?Voice

Your words carry weight, but your actions speak volumes. Your people can’t function according to your mood swings or thrive on your empty promises. They observe, absorb, and learn from your behavior. A good deed isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action that leaves a permanent mark.

And, for those leaders who are gifted with the talent of manipulation, like some who I’ve dealt with before, stop using your power to exploit others and start using it to empower them. Your ability to influence and persuade should be used to lift others up, not to tear them down. True leadership isn’t about authority and control; it’s about creating a safe space where people feel valued, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Whether you care to admit it or not, culture does originate at the top, and it’s the leader’s obligation to set the tone for the rest of the team. It’s time to acknowledge that leaders must inspire, not just dictate.

They’re Not Another Brick on Your Wall or Products on Your?Shelf!

In the chaos of the business world, and the attempt to catch up with the targets, numbers, and your mission, and in the middle of your strategies, charts, spreadsheets, and busy schedule, don’t forget about the essence of your business?—?your people, your tribe.

If you treat your people like products, they’ll treat you like an ATM?—?transactional, detached, and lacking loyalty. And oh! They’ll also scratch your ego behind your back, disrespect you, and make you the center of their jokes.

Treat your people with the same kindness and respect you seek. Remember, high performers will choose to stay in a positive, supportive environment, while those who don’t fit will naturally move on.

Culture Recipe: Well, It’s The Secret Ingredient to?Success

Yes, I hear you! Your strategies, your focus, your hard work, and your impeccable execution are the pillars of your success. But the spice that truly elevates your dish is your people?—?a group of content, committed individuals who feel valued and respected.

“The simple act of paying positive attention to people has a great deal to do with productivity.”?—?Tom Peters

To all of you leaders, managers, or anyone with authority, whether you agree with me or not, I’m not here to lecture you. I’m sending out a reminder to every soul out there that the way you treat others is crucial and it’s the most important way forward. Otherwise, be certain that you would create pressure, detachment, and results which you don’t even want.

“It is not grey hair that makes one respectable but character.”?—?Rana Junaid Mustafa Gohar

In this messy world, where mishaps are constant, remember that your people spend a significant portion of their lives with you. Make it worthwhile for them and for yourself. Empathy isn’t degrading. Embrace it! Be mindful of what you say or how you treat them. Be kind, considerate, and caring.

Drop the culture hype and embrace the essence. Build a culture that reflects your values, where actions speak louder than words, and where people are treated with the dignity they deserve. After all, your true legacy isn’t just about your achievements but also about the impact you had on others.

So, leaders, big or small, are you ready to stop being the office Grinch and build a culture that makes people want to come to work? The world needs more joy. Let’s be the change, shall we?