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workplace. Culture is developed initially by the values that are then translated into the actions and policies of leadership. These actions and policies are developed into stories and experiences that are retold in various ways.


When a new employee begins, what stories are told about the company? About the people? About past events? What has made those events noteworthy? Who are the company heroes and what aspects of their contribution have garnered them such a positive reputation that it deserves to be respected? More importantly, can these behaviors be emulated by others? These stories and ideas are the way the business communicates the foundational aspects of its culture.


Another defining element of culture is your company goals and objectives. In our consulting practice, when surveying employees at over a hundred transportation companies, the number one issue that employees noted needed improvement in their company was purpose and direction.


The majority of employees are clueless about the overall goals of their company. While it's true that most know they should do a good job, many are unclear about the specifics and the nuances. Having a culture that clearly defines expectations, and then backs up those expectations with reviews, rewards and recognition, will improve productivity faster than just about any other management technique.


Expectations that are well defined, repeated, and defended lead to the creation of company norms. Norms define and describe what is acceptable: "The way things are done around here," from the simple to the complex. The simple may basically include how early you have staff come to work in the morning, or how late they remain past 5:00pm in the afternoon. The complex may involve whether to work as a highly productive individual or to work together as an accomplished team (collaboratively or competitively). Not knowing the difference can easily create problems for each individual and the entire team.


Through Executive Coaching programs, TranStrategy Partners helps organizations understand and improve the cultural aspects of their business. Many employees chose to work in an organization because of its values such as; Honesty, Pride, Concern for Others, Independence, Positive Reinforcement for a job well done or well begun…or, more easily said, for its Culture.


Joel McGinley is Managing Partner of TranStrategy Partners. For more information, contact Joel at 888.625.1139 or joel@transtrategypartners.com.


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O


ur staff is searching for the MPowered stickers on your trucks!


If we catch one of yours, your driver will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card! Or snap your own photo to enter the drawing each month!


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