Creating That Corporate Culture...

By the definition of culture alone, one could say that corporate
culture has something to do with the values, customs, and
traditions of a particular company. In short, its simply about
that vital working environment.

Hence, what determines corporate culture? And who shapes it?

First, culture is determined by the kind of business the company
is engaged in. And of course, the top honcho lays out the kind of
culture he wants to have. Well, almost everybody would point out
the apex but realistically, it is the CEO's personality aided by his
lieutenants that molds the corporate culture.

So, if one's business is about car washing, it's culture is a bit free
wheeling; if you are into accounting services, the culture is a bit
more sober. Still, without management's continuous support and
regular monitoring, the machinery would break down.

"A company's ethical conduct is something like a big flywheel.
It might have a lot of momentum, but it will eventually slow down
and stop unless you add energy." - William Adams

This culture is crucial in having a sound and satisfied army to
carry out business objectives. And it all starts with the Head.

He must be the example. He must commit himself totally to the
company and to its products or services. He must understand
and believe in the company's mission. He must personalize the
company's culture, and then add to it. He must do these
unflaggingly, publicly and without reserve -- otherwise, why work
in such a company?

"We've replaced the concept of having a job with having a
mission." - John Meyers

Thus, when recruiting your army, you need to carefully assess
the candidate's personality more than his experience if he
would thrive in your kind of atmosphere and so much so, if he
believes in your vision.

Skills can be learned but personality is hard to change. This is
what the "perfect fit" is really all about; and using your good
connections is a great way to get "good" hires... simply because
your personalities jibe. On the other hand, traditional job posting
and screening only brings you traditional workers.

"The most visible difference between the corporation of the
future and its present-day counterpart will not be the products
they make or the equipment they use -- but who will be working,
how will they be working, why they will be working, and what work
will mean to them." - Robert Haas

A wonderful corporate culture is like having a big, happy family...
where issues easily mend and things just falls into place with
minimal effort. And as captain of the ship, steer with confidence.

Remember…
"What we are trying relentlessly to do is get that small company
soul -- and small company speed -- inside our big company."
- Jack Welch