WHAT’S YOUR CULTURE?
Different cultures are appropriate for different businesses, and it is important that the two are a good match. Because the owner’s demeanor often determines the culture, especially in the early days, it is imperative that you are aware of the influence you wield in this key area.
See if you recognize any of these culture archetypes in you or your business:
· The Star Trek culture: You are boldly going where no one has gone before. You are flying at the speed of light, driven, on a mission, and deadly serious.
· The Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory culture: You are all about creativity and innovation and building a place of wonder. Big smiles abound.
· The Dead Poets’ Society culture: You are nurturing and developmental. You are aiming for organic growth, with a focus on people and service to the greater good.
· The Amadeus culture: You are thought of as a stark-raving-mad genius who is larger than life. You fill your team with raw talent and give them and yourself wide latitude. The end result is more important than the means of getting there.
· The Patton culture: Business is blood and guts. You man-age through intimidation but earn respect by leading the charge and inspiring success by example.
· The Millionaire Next Door culture: (I depart from the movie theme on this one.) You are staid and steady, with your eye on the prize. You are counting the beans and taking only the risks you are sure will pay off. Hands-on hard work and determination are key.
A Willy Wonka culture is great for an ad agency but terribly inappropriate for an accounting firm. The Patton culture may work great for a private security company, but it would be a disaster in a child care center. There is no right or wrong culture for your business. But it has to be authentic, and it has to be appropriate.
