In today’s competitive business landscape, establishing a winning company culture within your team is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity.
Leadership at the Core
The journey to cultivating a winning culture begins with leadership. Being a leader that commands respect, not out of fear or a desire to be liked, but through trust and integrity, is vital. Your team needs to see you embodying the company’s core values in every action, decision, and interaction. This authenticity builds a foundation of trust that is indispensable for fostering a culture of excellence.
Values vs. Standards
While core values are the beliefs and principles that guide a company, they often remain abstract without actionable standards. Standards are the behaviors and expectations that are lived and breathed daily within the team. For instance, in the military, the core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence are operationalized through specific standards, like fitness requirements. Similarly, in a business context, setting clear standards that align with your core values is crucial for translating ideals into action.
Setting and Upholding Standards
Two standards I advocate for in all my businesses are “Try Harder” and “Don’t Complain.” “Try Harder” is defined as making an attempt in which failure is unreasonable, pushing the team to plan, prepare, and execute with diligence. Meanwhile, “Don’t Complain” fosters a positive, solution-focused mindset, crucial for maintaining morale and productivity.
The Leader’s Role in Company Culture Building
Building a winning culture is an ongoing process that demands consistent effort from the leader. It’s about leading by example, setting clear standards, and holding everyone (including yourself) accountable to those standards. It’s equally important to address and eliminate negativity and complacency, which can undermine the team’s morale and cohesion.
Conclusion
A winning company culture is the backbone of any successful business, but it’s not achieved by accident. It requires a leader who is respected, core values that are clear, and standards that are actionable and upheld. As we strive to build teams that are not just productive but truly exceptional, remember the importance of leadership, values, and standards in turning your vision into reality. If you find yourself struggling in this endeavor, the solution is straightforward: Try harder.
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TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:
(00:00) Introduction – The importance of building a winning culture in business.
(00:23) Leadership Fundamentals – Discussing the role of leadership in cultivating a winning culture.
(00:42) From Values to Standards – The transition from abstract core values to actionable standards.
(01:25) The Importance of Respect – Earning respect through trust and adherence to core values.
(02:09) Implementing Standards – Examples of standards that drive a winning culture, such as “Try Harder” and “Don’t Complain.”
(03:30) Military Insights – Drawing parallels between military standards and business standards for excellence.
(04:28) Actionable Advice for Leaders – How to set and uphold standards within your team to foster a culture of success.
(08:37) Conclusion – The critical role of leadership in building a winning team culture and the call to action for leaders to “Try harder.”