Why Company Culture and Values Matter More Than Ever

"Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first." - Simon Sinek

Imagine walking into what you thought was your dream apartment. The ad said it was a one-bedroom with a garage - perfect, right? But then you step inside, and its not what you had imagined…

A garage… in the middle of the living room. It’s technically what the ad promised, but it’s definitely not what you expected.

This cartoon is more than just a gag - it’s a powerful metaphor for something many businesses struggle with: the disconnect between what they promise and what they actually deliver.

Whether you’re running a small business or a large corporation, this alignment is crucial for long-term success. Your company’s values are the principles that guide your decisions and behaviour. While your culture is the environment that those values create. And your mission? That’s why your business exists in the first place.

Think about a small café that prides itself on being a community hub. The owner knows everyone’s name, their favourite drink and even what’s going on in their lives. But as the café grows, thing changes. The original owner is no longer on the floor, new staff are hired and suddenly, the café loses that personal touch.

The café’s culture, once warm and welcoming - has drifted away from its original values. The result? Customers notice, and they start going elsewhere.

So, what happened here? The café’s mission - to be a community hub - got lost in the hustle of growth and expansion. And that’s the key takeaway: When your company’s values and culture drift away from your mission, you risk losing what made you special in the first place.

Deloitte’s 2023 Global Human Capital Trends survey found that 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe that a distinct corporate culture is important to a business’s success, yet only 12% of executives think their companies are driving the right culture.

What does ‘success’ look like in a company with a strong culture and values?

Now, let’s look at a different example. There’s a tech startup that’s all about innovation. From day one, the founders encourage their teams to take risks and learn from their mistakes. As the company grows, this culture doesn’t change. The leadership continues to promote creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, and the company thrives.

The difference here? The startup stayed true to its mission of innovation.?

When a company’s culture aligns with its values and purpose, it not only attracts and retains top talent but also builds strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, driving long-term success.

So, how do you make sure your company doesn’t become the apartment with a garage in the living room?

Here are a few tips:

1. Regularly revisit your mission. Make sure it still reflects why your business exists.

2. Foster a strong culture. Your culture should be a direct reflection of your values.

3. Communicate consistently. Keep your team aligned with your mission and values through clear and regular communication.

4. Lead by example. As a leader, your actions set the tone for the entire company.

5. Adapt but stay true. Yes, your company needs to evolve, but never at the expense of your core values.

In the end, the success of your business hinges on the alignment of your values, culture and mission. When these elements are in sync, you’re not just delivering on promises - you’re building lasting relationships with your customers and setting the stage for long-term success.

Don’t be the apartment with a garage in the living room. Keep your promises aligned and watch your business thrive.

When a company’s culture aligns with its values and purpose, it not only attracts and retains top talent but also builds strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, driving long-term success.

Does your marketing lacks clear direction or vision and your sales results are not what they should be? Lets get together to see if we might be a fit to help you.

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