Richard Ghilarducci: How to Create a Strong Company Culture

In addition to compensation, benefits, and opportunities to grow within a company, many employees consider company culture a key factor when looking for a new job, says Richard Ghilarducci.

In today’s globalized economy, it is not uncommon for companies to have a diverse workforce that includes people from different cultural backgrounds. Understanding different business cultures can help such companies create a positive work environment that aligns with the company’s values, mission, and goals.

It, in turn, can help employees become more productive and engaged at work. By acknowledging and respecting cultural differences, companies can create a sense of inclusivity, which can benefit both employees and the organization as a whole. An awareness of different business cultures can also help companies navigate the challenges that can arise from cultural differences, such as miscommunication and misunderstandings.

How to build a strong company culture

Here are a few steps you can take to build a great business culture where employees feel valued and appreciated:

Develop your vision, mission, and goals.

Businesses often have a mission, vision, and goal statement that serves as their primary guiding principle when determining what direction they want to take their business in, explains Richard Ghilarducci. It also helps customers understand the main purpose of the organization and guides employee behaviors.

Start by knowing what you want your company to be known for and what kind of employees you want to attract.

Identify your company values.

Company values are the center of a company’s culture, notes Richard Ghilarducci. While the mission, vision, and goal communicate the purpose of the organization, values are behavioral guidelines that help shape the mindset of your employees, giving them a purpose.

Company values need to be inclusive of all members of your organization. They should also be simple, concise, authentic, and easy to remember. Your list of values doesn’t need to be long, but it needs to cover the core of how employees should behave at your company.

Live by your company values.

Company values shouldn’t just be buzzwords posted on your office walls and listed on your website — they should be applicable and integrated into your employees’ regular activities, says Richard Ghilarducci. In other words, your company values must be seen in the day-to-day operations of your business.

Hire the right people.

The most important part of creating and maintaining a positive business culture is to hire the right people. Skills and talent are just a few things an organization should look for when screening applicants, notes Richard Ghilarducci. It’s also important to look at a potential employee’s ability to adapt to and accept your company’s values. More importantly, most people tend to cooperate and work well with people with whom they share similar personal values.

Humboldt State University alumnus Richard Ghilarducci held leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer. He was also a community leader and was elected Mayor for three terms. Read more about his leadership, communication, and management insights by following this page.