Business culture is the foundation of your business. Without it, your employees have nothing to follow or be truly accountable to. The best businesses have their own culture…or label if you will. What do you think of when you hear Levis? You think of durable jeans that have been around for a long time and maybe the red tag and that 501 jeans have buttons.
You must be able to equate your name with images and feelings. From this you have something to offer and then you can equate your name with good or bad experiences. Let’s press for the good ones! A culture in business cannot be changed or you will fail. You may add to it, but you have to be consistent with your culture. That is why it is the foundation. You keep your culture…never change it! You build on a foundation, rather than change it.
For example; if you own a restaurant and your clients love your food because of the chef, then you change chefs and let him do things his way, there is a possibility that you will lose business. Some folks may absolutely love the new chef but others may not. That small change can make or brake you. Here is another example. I am a DJ (among other things) and I like to play a specific genre of music. It may take a while to find those who like my music and that is OK. I am being true to my culture. If I change and play music for others that has nothing to do with my taste, then how do you know who I am? I may begin to get followers and the change will inevitably result in loss.
Do you remember the saying, “You are what you eat” and then it was, “You are what you wear.” In business it is you are what your culture is. Once you have made a culture, you cannot go back without failure. If you must do this, you must take time to see what your issues are, and then build rather than change on the mistakes that you have made. There is no other way. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Take one thing at a time. Take time to be successful. Set yourself up for success and not failure. Be open to suggestion from those who have more experience than you in any matter. Social intelligence is the key to leadership but it also helps any type of upper management.. Set goals and ensure they are realistic. Take an idea and run with it until you get the results that are needed. Remember; if YOU cannot be accountable for your business, your employees cannot be held responsible either. Your culture and realistic goals are key. Make a plan and stick to it or no one else will (employees and customers).