I want to thank ‘The Fun Boy Three’ and ‘Bananarama’ for bringing this phrase to my attention in 1982. Whilst I didn’t appreciate it at the time, I now recognise it as the best business advice I have ever been given.
Whilst the catchy lyrics from the song certainly mean something else, they do hold a surprising truth when it comes to giving a company it’s most important point of differentiation. It’s not what you promise, it’s not even what you deliver, it’s how that counts. I believe how your business operates is defined, and controlled, by your company culture. Every company has one, but some are better than others. A good company culture is like a sunny day at the beach, where everyone is building sandcastles and eating ice cream. A bad company culture is like being stuck in a never-ending traffic jam trying to get there, when everyone in the car is falling out and road rage starts to raise its very ugly head.
Culture encompasses everything a company does. It’s not simply a matter of following a process; it’s about the heart and soul that employees infuse into their work. The enthusiasm they have, the passion they show, and how they feel a sense of belonging in the wider team. All of these things are evident to clients, partners and new employees. In fact, anyone that takes an interest in your company will experience it, without you needing to point it out. But remember, some companies have a toxic culture, and this will be evident, perhaps more so.
Company culture starts with leadership. When leaders embrace the culture they wish to see, they become shining stars that guide everyone else. But it’s not about forcing their employees to join them, it’s about setting the example, encouraging creativity and letting each person bring their unique skills, experience and flair. In any company, no individual knows nor can do anything, but in the right team, with the right atmosphere, anything is possible.
So, how do you create a vibrant company culture? Well, it’s crucial to find people who not only have the right skills and experience, but the attitude, approach and philosophy to harmonise with the company’s values. This way when new people join, they engage quickly, become productive and feel fulfilled. In the right company culture, 1+1 can equal 5. The power of togetherness must never be underestimated.
Someone asked whether it’s possible to train people in a company’s culture, and whilst I don’t know the full answer to this, I don’t think it’s easy. Whilst you can teach people many new things, you can’t force them to sway to the beat of a particular culture if it’s not in their natural rhythm. Instead, it’s a dynamic partnership between the right people and the environment they are working in that encourages and supports them to be their best selves. So don’t plaster slogans around the office, or host mandatory workshops and hope that you will create the culture you want. Authenticity and genuine engagement are the ingredients for success.
Even when a company grows and management structure inevitably evolves it can feel like a whirlwind of change. But you can’t hurry culture. Trying to impose a more different way of thinking and behaving is akin to demanding everyone “just smile” when they’re not in the mood. Culture evolves naturally, influenced by the unique blend of individuals, environment and organisation.
So, in conclusion, I believe that “it ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it” because “that’s what gets results”.