Culture is nothing more than the environment we work in and the people that we work with.

Building a consistent foundation creates awareness for everyone. Identifying exactly how employees fit into the organization, how what they do really matters and why are crucial “must haves” for creating an exceptional work culture for our employees.

Often, and in most organizations, people are confused. They may not completely understand what direction they are going, what is really expected of them, how they add value and what they are working to accomplish. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone!

Studies continue to show that more than 70% of people come to work every single day either disengaged or actively disengaged with their job, which means we must create an environment, or culture, that has a clear direction with a path that everyone wants to follow.

Let’s dive into the four crucial parts that help create a successful work culture or environment.

1. Clarity

Clarity begins with us.

• Why do we do what we do?

• What are our goals?

• How do we “fit in” to the overall vision of the organization?

• Who do we impact?

• What are my top expectations of my team?

• Are my top expectations clear to my team?

Answering these questions sets the cultural foundation to create an understanding of “where the bus is going.”

2. Alignment

Alignment leads us to an entirely new set of questions.

• Do I agree with the direction of my position?

• Do I believe in the direction of my team, my department and the organization?

• Does my team agree with the direction?

• Does my team align with how they fit into the organization?

By answering these questions, everyone knows where the bus is going. Your culture is beginning to take hold. Next, we must make sure everyone wants to move in that direction, is aligned and understands how they fit in.

3. Communication

We must communicate clearly, both up and down the organization, to have the most impact. Without proper communication, clarity and alignment simply won’t happen.

• Set crystal clear expectations.

• Understand your team and their expectations.

• Hold effective one-on-one meetings. 

Now, everyone knows where the bus is going and how they fit in. Your culture represents consistent, clear and open communication that will ensure employees are engaged and encouraged to participate.

4. Value

Understanding your value, and exactly how to help your people understand the true value that they bring every day into the organization, is critical.

• What do we really do?

• How does what we do matter?

• Who benefits from what we do?

By answering these questions, along with understanding each person’s personal “why,” everyone knows exactly where the bus is going and how they fit in. They feel encouraged and willing to participate in organizational goals. And now, they understand the personal value of their contribution.

Remember, building a consistent and solid foundation will create awareness for everyone. They know exactly how they fit into the organization, how what they do really matters…and why!