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A company’s culture plays an important role in a business. Culture establishes a unique identity. In a historic sense, culture is a way of life. It developed so that people from different cultural backgrounds are able to identify and represent a community. To exert this theory, office culture exudes the same characteristics. This assists with co-operative work that encourages improved development. It’s an evolving element that promotes enthusiasm, innovation, productivity and techniques to solve problems within the office. Building this type of workplace environment is paramount for the corporate soul.


Most entrepreneurs start a business for many reasons. One of them is to build and develop an office culture that is unique and differentiates from other organizations. This includes newsletters, websites, and especially job postings. It will give the essence of your business structure and represents what it stands for. It is challenging when a company does not have a specific way of doing things. Culture is necessary for a business to identify aspects of their organization to give a significant element that influences how work gets done.


The formula for successfully hiring the right fit for your company is pretty simple: clearly outline the goal and practices that characterized your organization. Not only will it make your company unique and stand out from other hiring processes, but you will also attract and retain talent that will be the perfect fit for the intended position. In the business world (and personal life), we tend to gravitate towards people we have something in common with. The hiring process should be no exception. Essentially, cultural fit means conventional or social practices associated with a particular field. As Lauren Kolbe, founder of kolbeCo said, “An employee who is not aligned with the culture and is not committed to living it can wreak havoc pretty quickly, even if they bring a great deal of skill and experience to their craft”.


One of the main things that can ruin a company’s hard-earned reputation, is hiring a decadent candidate that is completely off with the office personality. Employees represent your company even outside of work, so one bad discretion can affect an entire department and possibly decrease productivity and sales. This is why it is imperative to recognize a strong fit when you see it: by aligning your organization’s culture with strategy.


Building an office culture is important for more reasons than one. It also promotes employee’s happiness, in and outside of work. The tie in is to not have the staff dread coming in to work. An open line of communication between employees and management can avert minor concerns from becoming intense stressors. For Instance, companies that reserve employees to leave during traditional work hours for doctors visits, or to simply have a personal day to gather their thoughts or to clear their minds, allows employees to be well rested, eager and productive. There are many practices that elaborates good company culture, but one component that is indeed a major factor in sustaining an effective office culture, is recognizing the excellence of its employees.  This prides itself on being a pioneer in workplace culture by supporting employees’ personal and professional growth. Apart from hiring and retaining the right fit for your company, keeping your tenure staff exultant and engaged encourages a healthy work life balance.

 
“Maintaining an effective culture is so important that it, in fact, trumps even strategy.”– Howard Stevenson


L. Paul | Contributing Writer

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A key aspect of successful businesses is what sets them apart from their competition. The unique qualities of running a business, such as focusing on steady performance as opposed to operating on survival mode, can make the difference between an innovative company and a struggling one. Businesses running on survival mode are normally unstable and only focus on short term goals. This eventually leads to a difficult work environment. A flourishing business knows how to compete by incorporating the use of non-traditional methods, having a steady focus on what their clients need the most, and a great understanding of how their service or product can positively affect the world. You too can set your business apart from the competition by following the traits of these leading businesses.


The Best Opportunities Are Outside the Box


Instead of competing in cluttered and saturated markets, strong organizations seek out the opportunities that others miss. These leaders are not afraid to test out new methods and create new industries – even if they might fail. Great companies focus on developing new and myriad innovative products that give the user or client a unique experience. They embark on projects that others would deem difficult or unnecessary. Efforts are directed towards developing products and services that change the lives of individuals in great ways. For example, companies like Uber, Skype, Facebook, and Apple have developed game-changing products and services. In addition, great organizations hire the best and unique talent to assist in the creation of new opportunities.


A Structural and Entrepreneurial Balance


This is not an easy balance to achieve as most businesses either have a structured or entrepreneurial strategy. However, successful businesses such as Facebook and Google have mastered this tactic.  These companies operate on a structured basis while maintaining a flexible entrepreneurial mindset. They ensure that they meet all the organization’s performance goals while encouraging innovation, new ways of thinking and action towards projects. To accomplish this, it is essential to have a leading team that is open to celebrating uniqueness and differences, while maintaining trust in its employees. It’s important to note that success comes from a diverse team who can find success in a variety of ways – not just one. This often leads to breakthroughs in companies as they end up discovering innovative solutions that others miss.


Avoid Distractions at All Costs


There are many distractions that a business can face. Businesses have a hard time staying focused especially when the economy is unpredictable. Essentially, being strategic does not only revolve around focusing on your competition, but it also means being openly aware of change and crisis that can potentially occur. Businesses that are strategically wired can foresee changes in how the marketplace flows and its regressions. Surprises may arise when competition grows unexpectedly (e.g. the rise of the iPhone and Android OS, and the plummet of Blackberry and Nokia). It’s crucial to have a leadership that has a 360-degree view of market changes and strikes when opportunity arises.


K. Nwankwo | Contributing Writer

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There are many benefits to working from home or working remotely. You can worry less about commuting, conveniently make time for personal obligations and work within your own comfort zone. But, when distracted by this ideal, we tend to become unproductive. Working at home or working remotely requires commitment. Here are some tips to help you:


1. Get Dressed
No one has ever been excited to commute to their office in the morning, thus it’s a great feeling to think you can get out of bed, stay in your pj’s and work! But, this will make you feel lazy! Getting dressed greatly influences your mood. You do not have to go out of your way and put on a suit or some heels, but stay casual. Dress like you are ready to get work done.


2. Tune out Distractions
Being able to have a movie on in the background, browse social media or online shop are all tempting distractions you may indulge in, but set this aside for a break. Whether you’re in the office or not, maintain your work habits just as if it were a normal work day. Work as if an employer or employee were watching you.


3. Schedule Your Day
Have an outline for everything you need to get done. This is a form of self-discipline. Not everyone is suitable for an at home work day or remote job because they are not capable of working independently, but use this as a chance to be your own boss. Nonetheless, do not lose valuable work time.


4. Stay Connected with Your Team
This isn’t your opportunity to avoid your boss, difficult coworkers or colleagues. Remember that having a job and maintaining your career is all about how well you are able to work with others. Take the initiative to remain easily accessible with those you work with. You also do not want to miss out on any important updates or events that may affect your work. Have your email open and phone ready to answer.


5. Maintain Consistent Office Hours
Be determined to work a set amount of hours for each particular day. This way, you do not find yourself working too much or working too little. For instance, you could maintain your usual 9-5 work hours to help you do so. Keeping family and colleagues/clients informed about your work hours is also a good strategy to keep your work life and personal life separate.


L. Shabudin | DBPC Blog

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