What’s measured is treasured. If it is important, you want to know what is going on and improve on it. And it’s data; it’s factual. And so right away, we know what to do, and we can see the improvements we’re making because we can measure and improve them. Sam Silverstein.
I am in the middle of premiering a new podcast series, Culture Crafters, on the Compliance Podcast Network. In this series, together with Sam Silverstein, we are taking a deep dive into corporate culture: how to measure it, assess it, monitor it, and improve it. Through this exploration, we have uncovered the surprising truth behind sustained success in company culture. We have taken a deep dive into maintaining a high-performing culture that attracts and retains top talent. We have discussed the often overlooked strategy that propels companies to celebrate every win, big or small, and compound their growth year after year. Today, we continue our journey by considering why you should continuously audit and assess your culture to improve it.
Achieving and sustaining a great culture within organizations is foundational to long-term success. It involves creating an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute meaningfully towards shared goals. This process starts with leadership setting the tone by exemplifying behaviors prioritizing people’s well-being and professional growth. Leaders can inspire employees to engage fully and commit to the organization’s vision by fostering a culture of trust, respect, and open communication. Consistently reinforcing core values and recognizing contributions are key components in nurturing a positive culture that endures challenges and fosters innovation.
Regular culture audits are essential for organizations seeking to understand and improve their cultural dynamics. These assessments provide a baseline for measuring progress and identifying areas for growth. By gathering data on employee perceptions, engagement levels, and alignment with organizational values, companies can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses within their culture. This information allows leaders to tailor interventions, policies, and initiatives that align with the organization’s desired cultural outcomes.
Moreover, ongoing assessments enable organizations to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure that the culture remains aligned with evolving goals and external influences. Sam Silverstein’s discussion on culture audits highlights the value of using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and drive cultural improvements. He stresses the importance of combining qualitative feedback with quantitative metrics to understand the organization’s culture comprehensively.
By being transparent about assessment results, leaders can foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Sam’s emphasis on the iterative nature of culture assessments underscores the need for organizations to view cultural dynamics as dynamic and evolving. The conversation underscores that continual assessment is not merely a one-time exercise but a strategic tool for maintaining a healthy and adaptive culture over time. You should develop a plan to assess and regularly improve your culture.
- Culture Audit: Develop a culture audit to assess the current state of your company’s culture. This can help identify areas for improvement and set a baseline for future assessments.
- Documentation: Document your culture assessment findings and improvement plans. Utilize tools to create and maintain detailed records of your culture assessment and improvement initiatives.
- Regular Assessment: Implement a schedule for culture assessments, such as quarterly or bi-annually. Use tools to gather feedback and measure progress over time.
- Celebrate: Incorporate a culture of celebration within your organization. This can include employee recognition programs, town hall meetings, or even small gestures like personalized notes or tokens of appreciation.
- Continuous Improvement: Based on the results of your culture assessments, develop a plan for continuous improvement. Use project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to track and execute improvement initiatives, ensuring that progress is ongoing and continuous.
The bottom line is that authentic leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping a thriving culture. Compliance professionals and business leaders go beyond superficial gestures and genuinely prioritize the well-being of their teams. Leaders can create a culture where individuals feel respected and valued by demonstrating care and investment in employees’ development. Key traits include actively listening to employee feedback, providing growth opportunities, and demonstrating ethical decision-making. Ultimately, the conversation reveals that sustained success in company culture hinges on leaders’ commitment to prioritizing people and consistently reinforcing a positive work environment.
