Culture Matters

I was talking to a friend of mine recently who has by all outside standards, a good job.  It pays well for the work performed, excellent benefit package, nice people, and although like most leadership jobs, it can drive a person crazy at times, overall, there really isn't much to complain about.  However, this person, who is an excellent employee, does not have any desire to stay with this employer.  No, this isn't your run of the mill Boomer or Gen Xer that is never satisfied with what they have.  This is a loyal employee, a person looking for their "forever home" so to speak.  I was intrigued so I asked more.


I asked "Hmmmm, why would you leave?"


"The culture.  The atmosphere.  The priorities of the leadership team. The priorities of the company."


Right,wrong, or indifferent, the leadership team of this organization demonstrated behaviors that were competitive, politically driven (instead of doing the right thing doing what was politically acceptable), and archaic (1950's approach).  This was the culture of the company.  It was the brand.  It's unfortunate this company will lose a very valuable employee because the good employees are confident enough to go someplace where they will be valued and respected.  

What culture are you driving in your department and organization? 

Is it a culture that cares about it's people and wants to see them happy and enjoying their work?  Or is it a culture of fear, politics, and cut-throat behaviors because the only way to get ahead is by tearing others down? 


If you want the best employees, your culture has to represent an environment where those employees can thrive.  


Culture does matter.