Building Culture
George at The Practice of Leadership asks if we are Purposely Shaping Our Culture? It is something that we pay a lot of attention to. I agree with Lou Gerstner, who he quotes, that “culture isn’t just one aspect of the game - it is the game.” It is even more important as organizations grow larger and decisions get made farther and farther from the Executive Director/CEO. I got a chance once again to see great company culture the other night. I was at dinner the other night with a donor and about 10 members of his company and their families. The culture of his company came pouring out from the employees. Honest, friendly, generous and caring were the dominant traits. His goal is to make someone’s day each and every day. His is always on the lookout for friendly, caring people. He rewards good deeds and takes care of his employees, customers and the community. Of course, he is also disciplined and smart. Some of the employees had been with him for close to 20 years. They couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.
I’d like to learn about what specific steps nonprofits are doing to create an environment such as the one Joe writes about here. Does anyone know of any?