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Writer's pictureBlair Shunk

What makes a company culture great?

This is just a random post that I put together on a rainy Sunday, but I think it might resonate with some of us.


I see hundreds of SAEs (self appointed experts) creating ads ranting about the:

8 secrets to create great corporate leadership!!!

7 methods to maintain great mental health in the workplace!!!

10.5 components of great corporate culture!!


OK, these are all important, and every company needs great leadership, a healthy and safe workplace, and a culture that allows you to succeed. And there is a place for those that are teaching and instructing in these fields.

 

These well meaning experts are trying to articulate and manufacture what some of us old timers had in the past. I was at two companies that got all these points correctly, and what fantastic places to work they were! How did they get it right?


12 Things that made a great company culture (lol!):

  1. We cared about each other

  2. We corrected each other in a caring way.

    1. This allowed you to hear what was being said, so you could listen, process, change, and apologize when needed.

      Company culture
  3. We looked beyond the role that a person had and saw a person trying to do things right.

  4. We supported each other. (At work and with personal challenges - when asked.)

  5. We had each other's back when someone made a mistake, make it right if you could or point it out, rather than point the finger. This Included your boss. You want a supportive leader? You must have their back as well.

  6. We tolerated our individual idiosyncrasies and weaknesses and let things pass.

  7. We gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.

    1. I got a gentle and valuable lesson when I flubbed up on this, thanks to a caring and understanding boss!

  8. We were given immense responsibility and were expected to deliver.

  9. You strived to be the best for your team and the company.

  10. We had the occasional party to celebrate successful projects.

  11. You trusted in the mission of the company, thanks to the vision of a driven, but caring leader.

  12. Finally, you had fun while you were working your butt off!

 

This what it looks like:

My hero gave me an example of what it looked like to live this out loud every day. (Even if he did shout at me once, "Shunk, your a** is a star!" Whatever that meant! LOL, still after 40 years!)


Here's the situation:

My dad was terminally ill. I used all my holidays and flex days to be with him in Ontario, through his last days and his funeral. When I got back to work, my leader asked me what went on, and told him. He asked if my wife and kids were with me, and I said "No, they stayed at home."


He returned to my office about 2 hours later and said my time off in Ontario was now compassionate leave, and our Vice President had reinstated all my vacation and flex days.


Also, in no uncertain terms, I was to take a week off to be with my family the following week.


How can you not love that? Maybe there are leaders like that out there still. For the sake of my kids and grandchildren, I sure hope so.


 

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