Does culture really eat strategy for breakfast?

According to legendary Management consultant Peter Drucker, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’.

And that’s exactly what we found in our latest LinkedIn poll. 

With over 113 votes cast, 38% of voters said that they believe a great culture is the most important thing in a job role.

This doesn’t mean that having a well-balanced workplace with opportunities for growth, great salaries and a clear business strategy doesn’t matter, it simply means that without buy-in from employees and shared culture, your business plan will not be executed with the same efficiency. 

If colleagues do not share the same company vision then your company could struggle to meet its objectives. 

What is good company culture? 

All companies have a culture, whether they choose to or not. Company culture is built on shared beliefs, values and the behaviour of those around you. And the old saying of ‘actions speak louder than words’ is also true. Culture is generally set from the top down, so c suite and the executive teams need to lead by example. 

According to the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work, there are 6 elements that form a great company culture:

• Community: Winning in the good times and sticking together when it’s tough, simply winning and losing as a team. Unity is everything.
• Fairness: Companies, where employees feel like everyone is consistently getting fair opportunities and treatment, makes for a more positive employee experience. This includes equal recognition and pay.
• Trustworthy management: Management who practice what they preach and do what they say they are going to do is important for a great culture. Credible managers have a direct impact on employee retention, workplace satisfaction and general motivation to work hard for the business.
• Innovation: A safe environment for colleagues to express ideas and make suggestions makes for comfortable and proud employees.
• Trust: Trust is a two-way street. Employees want trustworthy management but also to be given trust in return. Things like flexible hours and remote working are a great way to give trust to employees and allow them to achieve a seamless work-life balance. 
• Caring: Show it, don’t just say it. Companies who check in on their employees and provide emotional support make for a great place to work. The human factor is something that businesses often miss but need to take care of to create a great culture. 

So, if you’re looking for improved employee retention, engaged colleagues and business success, it’s important to get your company culture right.