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What is Corporate Culture?

 Culture is a natural phenomenon that is created when a group of individuals, who share a common purpose or goal, work together to collaborate. It is created out of common thoughts, goals and attitude that commonly exist within the group. This culture creates dynamism and energy, propelling the group forward towards their shared sense of purpose.

 When such culture presents itself in organizations, it is known as organizational viz. corporate culture. Now there are as many corporate cultures as there are organizations. Some are good, therein creating accelerated employee performance environments; while some are not so good, simply stifling their employees and in turn the organizations ability to achieve their true potential.

 What Are The Signs Of A Good Corporate Culture?

 Some of the constituents of culture are easily visible - like the dress code, titles, incentives, bonuses and the working environment, to name a few. However, the manifestations of culture are, in reality, much more than what is visible. The proper corporate culture lies in the higher realms of values and beliefs. This is the most vital aspect of corporate culture. Its incorporation can only be felt. It is this element that can lead an organization to its success or downfall.

This is the foundation for all actions and decisions within a team, department, or organization. It needs to be sustained and the energy harnessed for driving the organization forward.

What does an Optimized Corporate Culture Look and Feel Like?

1. People like to come to work
2. Employee attrition is lower
3. The company vision and purpose are clear and inspiring
4. The organizational mood is optimistic

How Can Good Corporate Culture Be Created And Sustained?

 Below is a check list that needs to be followed to create a good corporate culture:

1. The leaders of an organization need to establish their personal value-set and live their life accordingly.
2. The vision and mission should be clearly defined and communicated to all employees.
3. The leaders should be both a coach as well as a mentor to employees in order to ensure that these values are driven deep into each employee. Coaching is a method of directing, instructing and training a person or group of people, with the aim to achieve some goal or develop specific skills. A mentor is a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. (source:Wikipedia.com)
4. Hire only those people who demonstrate the right attitude toward other people, good work ethics and quality customer service.
5. Respect and treat your employees equally, but reward those best who do what you want. Ensure that the appraisal system evaluates the values of the organization. Reward good acts of work or character.

The most powerful method to bring about a good corporate culture is through conversation. Conversations have the power to make the invisible visible. It acts as the force that drives and sustains the culture that is intended and created by the founder and management of the organization. It extends beyond the normal business conversations that generally take place in a board room meeting. All business leaders have to be educated on how to have powerful conversations that generate the desired culture with all staff. All it takes is an honest commitment from the leadership team of an organization.