Top management, that is the CEO or the general manager and their management teams, determines and sustains corporate culture through their beliefs, actions, and behaviors whether spoken or written or simply by their demeanor as they pass others in the hallway.
Those top managements which act with kindness, consideration and professionalism (without being stuffy) create a warm, safe and encouraging environment. Top managements which reflect indifference or superiority and who tolerate unkindness foster dissatisfaction.
We have all heard the saying, "They talk the talk but they don't walk the walk!" Your culture will mirror your walk no matter how much you talk. Well written mission statements and core values, while important, are just talk. Top Management must walk the walk.
There are a few "walk-the-walk" fundamentals which if implemented by top management will strongly influence and sustain a positive company culture. They include 1) hallway demeanor - getting to know the names of and greeting those you pass in the hallway 2) walking through the cubicles / plant and actually listening to those who make your product 3) regularly visiting a staff meeting other than your own 4) insisting that all who report to you demonstrate kindness, fairness and integrity.
These simple top management fundamentals are the foundation of a good culture and without which, a good culture cannot be sustained. |
