Everyone wants a dynamic work culture, yet one that can inspire, challenge, influence and delivery results consistently is surprisingly rare. In my estimation, it’s largely due to a lack of understanding of what makes a culture. It’s not being clever, having out-going people, or being cutting edge. It’s a mixture of just a few key ingredients, and regular nurturing.
1. Attitude. Hire for attitude and train skills. A dynamic culture demands people who want to love, influence and make a difference. They can be different personality types, have different work styles, and bring various strengths to the table, but in my opinion, they must have a positive attitude.
2. Environment. Let’s face it, your surroundings matter. They can be a distraction or they can help you to focus. Make sure that every environmental consideration is cultivated. What’s on the walls? What is the first thing people see when they come in the space? Is it cluttered? Is it too empty? Is it inspiring? Is it depressing? Is it formless? Is it too cold? Most people never take the time to access the importance of environment on your work culture, especially in non-profit work. It’s critically important.
3. Energy. A dynamic culture requires that something spark movement. You can’t have an exciting culture if there isn’t any power, passion, youth, critical forces, or risk involved. Fortunately for most non-profits, the critical forces are there. Unfortunately, some organizations and individuals are sleep walking through their jobs; and turning their passions into quasi-governmental, social service jobs. Boring. if your job is critical, then it’s critical. If it’s not, move along.
These are my top three. do you have any to add to my list? Any challenges to my theory?
David Curry.
