Every work place has a unique identity that drives the productivity of the establishment. The need for this identity goes beyond having brand logos, colours or names. An organisation’s culture is how an organisation earns its reputation. This is when people perceive a certain way of life among its employees and in their experience with that company. That way of life is what we call culture.
Culture is not only restricted to Nigerian ethnic groups. It encompasses the collective process flow, behaviour, values, language and symbols associated with any group of persons. It usually revolves around a set of core values. That’s why most organisations have their tenets written on a placard somewhere within their building, or they spend time orienting new intakes on what’s expected of them before they commence work.
But we know working the same environment can lead to over familiarity from repeatedly doing seeming mundane tasks especially when employees feel they get passed up for promotion in favour of new entrants into the company.
One sure way to move ahead in any business is to be a model employee; one that has the mandate of the company engraved in the heart and is producing results that move the organisation closer to their objectives. Simply put, embodying the culture of a work place can guarantee you job security.
So, how does one ensure they are exuding the right energy in their work place?
Understand the values of your company and align your values with it.
First, you need to know why the company exist, what problem it hopes to solve and how it intends to do so. Look at your values as a person, which one ties in with what the company is about? Ask yourself, what can I do better to help the company achieve its goals, then go ahead and apply yourself to it. Take a look at your job description, discern how it adds to the company’s ability to meet its goal and ensure you give it your best.
Be passionate about your company and your role in it.
Passion is infectious, and it begins to spread when one person becomes inspiring and exemplary. Be transparent and full of integrity in your dealings with the company. Once you commit personally to being the best you can be and putting the company’s growth as your focus, it shows in your attitude, mental outlook, your dressing, your words and interactions with others. Statements like, “I cannot come and kill myself for this company” will no longer be in your vocabulary once you become passionate about making sure your company achieves its objectives.
Communicate your organisational values in your interactions with people.
No doubt, your company has its values and codes of conduct documented. Read those reports and learn them by heart. Let them guide how you function in the office. Rehearse it to colleagues when you talk during working hours but if talking about it make you seem like an ‘over sabi’, simply think about how you can show them with your actions instead (non-verbal communication).
Building a culture is deliberate, and it starts from the head to the workers. But no one says an employee cannot jump-start the process for the company.
Do you have other ways people can strengthen the culture in their workplaces? Please share them in the comment section. Thank you.
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This article was first published on 10th August 2017
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Ann Esievoadje is a freelance writer who is passionate about encouraging a reading culture and personal development. She has authored two books, The Quilt (fiction) and Being Mummy and Me (non-fiction). She manages Pulchra Publishing which offers a content creation/editing, transcription, different forms of writing (including Ghostwriting) service and her blog, Life Love and Anything Goes at annesievoadje.blogspot.com.ng. You can reach her at annesievoadje@gmail.com
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