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Tips for Transforming a Companys Culture

Transforming a company’s culture isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of courage, dedication, and plenty of humility. While that’s sounds contradictory or confusing, it’s actually the case. You’re going to need to lead in a new direction and be able to take things in stride (at least, to a point). Because changing an organization’s culture will feel much like trying to push a boulder up a steep hill. At any moment, it can roll right over you. But, if you know a few ways to deal with this change, you’ll have a much better shot at success.

Tips for Transforming a Company’s Culture

It’s very common for a company’s culture to reflect the prevailing management style. Let’s face it, most individuals tend to hire people who reflect their own style, so this isn’t a surprise. That means if a hiring manager or another leader has certain bad habits, chances are excellent others on team will likewise possess those same or like behaviors. It’s also true that culture doesn’t form overnight. It takes time for a company culture to develop.

As a [business owner] or as a manager, you may have the power to change your organization’s policies with the stroke of a pen. And you may have the ability to hire, fire, promote and demote people with relatively little effort. But changing an entrenched culture is the toughest task you will face. To do so, you must win the hearts and minds of the people you work with, and that takes both cunning and persuasion. —The Wall Street Journal

Once that culture forms, it’s very difficult to change. People become complacent and it takes a significant event to shake that off. It could be a big change in the industry for the worse, losing a lot of money, a sudden shrink in customers, or something else. Great cultures drive productivity and profits. Poor cultures slow productivity and profits. Culture starts with Leadership. So, it’s very important to realize when the culture is toxic and/or when crazy has infiltrated the business. It’s at this juncture you need to take immediate action. Here are some helpful tips for transforming a company’s culture:

Team-up with an insider. If you are new to the business, team-up with an insider — someone who can give you the details of what’s happened is a very valuable person. Or, if you’re part of a company that’s just gone awry, you still need someone you can trust. A person who gives you confidence you’re getting the straight story. You’ll learn a lot and probably discover different ways to get back on-track.
Get feedback from team members. Aside from your go-to person, you still need to solicit feedback from the entire team. Encourage people to communicate their experiences and expectations. This is a great way to identify who is and isn’t working out. You’ll know by each person’s input and reactions who is an asset and who is a liability. Then, you can work with individuals to help them improve.
Define the limits and be extra clear. While getting in-the-loop will provide a lot of valuable information, it’s not going to be a magic bullet. You’ll still need to define boundaries and be very clear on your expectations. Remember the old saying, “To be unclear is to be unkind.” It’s true and will certainly prove as much if you do not define your goals.
Be bold and take the lead when necessary. What all of this means is, you’ll have to lead by example. You must set the tone day in and day out so everyone has a chance to adjust. Eventually, a new normal, a better culture, will evolve.

Have you taken over an organization and changed its culture? How did you approach the situation? What other tips and tricks do you suggest to change a company’s culture. Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment.

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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How Business Owners Running on an Empty Tank can Refuel

May 10, 2022 No Comments

Are you feeling run down and stressed out? Are you finding it hard to get motivated to work on your business? If so, you are not alone. Many business owners find themselves in this position at some point in their careers. However, just because you are feeling worn out doesn’t mean that you have to give up. There are things that you can do to re-energize yourself and get back on track. In this article, we will discuss some of the best tips for overcoming burnout and getting your energy back. Start by Lowering Street, Eating Senisbly One of the most important things that you can do to combat stress and fatigue is to control your stress levels. If you are constantly feeling overwhelmed, it is important to take some time for yourself and relax. There are many ways to do this, such as yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk outside. Taking some time each day to de-stress will help you feel more refreshed and ready to work on your business. Burnout hurts. When you burn out at work, you feel diminished, like a part of yourself has gone into hiding. Challenges that were formerly manageable feel insurmountable. It’s the opposite end of the spectrum from engagement. The engaged entrepreneur is energized, involved, and high-performing; the burned-out entrepreneur is exhausted, cynical, and overwhelmed. —Harvard Business Review Another way to re-energize yourself is to make sure that you are eating light lunches. Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and tired. Instead, focus on eating healthy foods that will give you sustained energy throughout the day. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein are all great options for an energy-boosting lunch. Effective Steps Burned-Out Business Owners can Re-Engergize In addition to reducing stress and eating light lunches, it is also important to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and make it difficult to focus. Make sure to drink water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. But, these alone may not be enough. So, also do the following: Exercise. Exercise is another great way to combat stress and fatigue. Taking a brisk walk or going for a run can help you clear your head and boost your energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-enhancing properties. If you can, try to get in some exercise every day, even if it’s just a short walk around the block. Sleep better. Getting more restful sleep is also crucial for overcoming burnout. If you are not getting enough sleep, you will find it difficult to focus and get things done. Make sure to give yourself time to wind down before bed and create a relaxing environment in your bedroom. This will help you fall asleep more easily and get the restful sleep that you need. Take breaks. Finally, it is important to take regular breaks throughout the day. Working non-stop will only make you feel more stressed and tired. Instead, take a few minutes every hour or so to take a break. Stretch your legs, grab a cup of coffee, or simply step away from your desk for a few minutes. Taking breaks will help you stay refreshed and focused on your work. If you are feeling burned out, don’t despair. There are things that you can do to re-energize yourself and get back on track. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Why Young People Avoid the Trades (And How Business Owners Can Change That)

March 18, 2026 No Comments

The trades are entering a new era. The next decade will bring major changes in workforce demographics, technology and business models. Companies that adapt will thrive. Invest in leadership Future trade businesses will rely on strong leaders who can manage teams, develop talent and maintain culture. Leadership development should be a priority for every growing company. Develop systems Successful businesses rely on systems that allow them to scale operations while maintaining quality. Processes for training, project management and communication help companies grow sustainably. Prepare the next generation Ultimately, the future of the trades depends on the next generation of workers. Companies that invest in recruiting, training and mentoring young professionals will shape the future of the industry. The trades have always been about building things that last. Now it’s time to build businesses that do the same.

How to Manage Your Teleworking Staff

April 9, 2020 No Comments

Managing a staff remotely presents a number of challenges, some of which are completely unexpected. When a business first goes to a telecommuting or teleworking structure, it naturally undergoes some growing pains to adjust to the new dynamic. Although it is ostensibly more beneficial, cutting down on some expenses, and providing more convenience to staff who no longer have to commute, there are still some issues which can arise. So, it’s best to know what to expect. The Upsides of Telecommuting for Small Businesses There are a number of advantages to remote work situations. It gives team members more flexibility with their schedules. Also, it cuts down, if not nearly eliminates, office politics. Additionally, another benefit is that it can reduce operating costs, having to rely less on a dedicated, physical location. Particularly for small businesses, telecommuting seems an effective strategy for maximizing a workforce while still keeping costs low. You don’t need to pay for a centralized office space or deal with a drive to work, but you do have to contend with YouTube, Facebook and myriad other online distractions. —American Express But, it also means having to wrangle with coordination efforts, relying on different forms of communication, along with various other things to work out. With just a bit of tweaking here and there, it’s possible to make it work and even to reach a point where pretty much everything flows seamlessly. Ways to Manage Your Teleworking Staff Of course getting from Point A to Point B requires a combination of ingenuity, cooperation, and some out of the box thinking. To effectively manage a remote staff, you’ll need to do the following: Clarify roles. Each team member must clearly understand his or her role within the organization to eliminate duplication of effort, gaps in productivity, and more troublesome issues. Every person should have a defined, central role, as well as alternative responsibilities, just in case there is a need. Set expectations. In addition to defining everyone’s role, you’ll also need to clearly delineate your expectations. Otherwise, people won’t know exactly what you want out of them, and that’s a recipe for disaster. Develop procedures. It’s pretty straightforward to set up and explain and demonstrate procedures in a face-to-face environment, but presents quite a challenge with remote staff. This is where most of the initial communication will be necessary, in order to coordinate how things should be done. Set Regularly Scheduled Conference Calls. Regular communication is key with your staff in order to develop relationships and high trust cultures with accountability. Have a set time and day with a set agenda on key performance metrics and results, project updates, review current challenges and opportunities and collaborate openly so that there is a sense of community. Use a video conference application like ZOOM or GoToMeeting.com or other for more effective communication. Understand security issues. With remote work comes the risk of work-product being compromised. You need to learn about and address any potential issues by being proactive as possible. Reach out for help when needed. Lastly, if things just don’t seem to work, you should seek help with the right people. you might need to consult or hire a technical professional in order to get everything you need in order for the system to be fully functional. What other suggestions do you have? Please, share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Tips for Transforming a Companys Culture