5 Ways Leaders Can Influence Organizational Culture

I love talking about leadership and influence—being able to ignite the soul to bring something out of someone they didn’t know existed. It’s a beautiful thing, and in most cases, all it takes is a little motivation and new-found confidence. As leaders, we have the power and ability to influence the organizational culture of a business.

The 5 key points I share with you today are powerful and life changing if you apply what I say to your life or any scenario that you wish.

Lead by Example

If you want to influence your organization top to bottom, you have to be the wheel man. As leaders, we lead by example. When you’re at the forefront of your business, you have to remember your actions are always magnified. What you do, what you say, how you act can all influence what others do and what they think of you. When I worked in corrections, they taught us to be consistent and fair. We can apply those same traits here. Your team looks to you for guidance, and you must have the ability to guide and lead. Find a consistent approach and be the model for your team. Leaders have to be willing to lead.

Accountability is Important

How do we create accountability in the company throughout the organization? Why do you think accountability is important? You have to hold your team accountable for their work, their effort, as well as their results and performance. This shows your team that they’re accountable for everything they do, good and bad. What I like about this concept of accountability throughout the organization is the detailed guidelines we invariably create for each role in our company. Everyone gets a specific role and specific task to complete. Once they know the role you’ll likely assign them, we hold them accountable for results. It’s something we all need in our life.

Help Your Team Succeed

Most people want to do a great job, and I hope you’ll give your team that great opportunity. You’re responsible for their success and failure. Ensure your team has the proper skills, experience and resources to perform at their best. Develop a process that works for everyone and allows them to showcase their talents. When this is in place, your team feels appreciated and thankful. Most of your team just wants a fair opportunity. Allow your team to collaborate, share ideas, or do a strategy session with everyone. It’s awesome to feel you’re being heard and needed. Remember, you’re only as good as the team you surround yourself with.

Have Clear Expectations

Can you imagine going to work and not knowing what’s expected of you? Do you think you’d reach your full potential in a work environment like that? No way, we need to know what’s expected of us so we can focus on solutions. Each position in your company has a specific role; you can offer training programs, strategy sessions or coaching that clearly outlines each member’s expectations. Having a strong program in place will build confidence among your staff and give them what they need to start out the gate quick and effectively.

Create a Healthy Environment for Everyone

How can you create a fun, healthy environment for your company? We make it a personal, engaging and equal to everyone. I love inspiring my team and bringing the best out of them. We want this throughout the company. It’s okay to challenge your team members. It’s okay to have competitions based on performance. Think about a structure that rewards and promotes employees in your company. Allow your team to engage with one another. For instance, you could have a pizza day one week and maybe company awards once a month. All of these are great ways to motivate and build an environment that everyone benefits from.

All of us have the opportunity to motivate and inspire. This is what the greatest leaders in the world do. I hope you’ll take these 5 tips and begin applying them to your business.