23. BECOMING THE EMPLOYER OF CHOICE THROUGH COMPANY CULTURE - PART 3 - FLORIN LUNGU

Season #4 Episode #23

Recorded Live at International Business Growth Radio (www.IBGR.Network)

When we look at the world’s business scene and the companies that rank at the top of employer of choice ranks, there are two things all of them have in common.

1.      A diverse and inclusive environment

2.      A great company culture

But how can a small business build a culture if they’re not a big brand with deep pockets?

That’s what we’re gonna try to answer on today’s show.

The Why

Most entrepreneurs think that diversity & inclusion and company culture initiative are a costly business. They see it as a cost and that’s it. They cost a lot of money and they take a lot of time.

Interestingly enough, when you look at the D&I culture case, the cost is not in implementing it but in not implementing it, in not having D&I and culture-building initiative.

And the costs are getting higher and higher as time goes by. Study shows that in the next four years, 75% of the workforce will be made of Millenials. I am one of them and we want different things. We want to feel included, we want to feel we are part of a bigger purpose than ourselves, part of something bigger. And here is where the rubber meets the road and where a company culture makes the difference.

Key Issues - Owner Perspective:

The biggest challenge small business owners face is they believe they are too small of a business to need a company culture and that’s only for big brands.

However, when asked, most say they want the benefits of a diverse and inclusive company culture

So the culture-building case is pretty compelling, when done right it reduces cost, captures unrealized opportunity and of course, it is the right thing to do.

So what can we do?

What You Need to Know - The What 

It is in your best interest as a leader to build an inclusive and engaging culture where people feel at best and they bring their best to the table. It is in your peoples’ best interest to contribute to and engage in building culture so you all grow together.

When you look at the data, an organization with a culture of diversity and inclusion is a healthier and more profitable organization.

How do your people feel? Do they feel attached to your company or is it just a rental?

What You Need to Do - The How

How do you create the I’m-all-in mentality?

What do employees want:

  • Belonging
  • Included in the company culture
  • Accepted for who they are
  • Valued for their gifts and talents
  • Trust leadership to do what’s right
  • Believe in what the company stands for
  • Company to want the same for everyone
  • See diversity across the organization

 When they feel free to be the best they can be, everyone wins.

The 4 Pillars to Embedding cultural change.

  1. Awareness
  2. Empathy
  3. Opportunity
  4. Engagement 

When it comes to cultural change and any similar topic, we tend to fall into one of these categories:

  • Pioneers
  • Champions
  • Influencers
  • Hesitators
  • Obstructors

 What role do you play in this? Which one are you?

Shows:

●       Previous:           Episode 16-20 - Solve Problems Early and Build Trust by Listening Before You Speak

●       Next:                    Episode 25-28 - Your Fast-Track to A Self-Managing Organization by Developing a Problem-Solving Culture