Small business leaders, can you share how you've fostered a strong company culture and what effect it has had on your business?

Question

In the quest to build a resilient and vibrant company culture, we've gathered insights from CEOs and founders to share their strategies and the impacts on their businesses. From cultivating culture through small engagements to demonstrating leadership by example, discover the diverse approaches in these fourteen compelling answers.

Aled Nelmes · Answer

One of the biggest misconceptions about fostering a strong company culture that I've learned is that I used to think creating a company culture was all about big actions, such as writing big words on the walls of the office and making big statements, speeches to the company, and basically just doing 'big' things. Over time, I realized that it's actually about nurturing a strong company culture and, more importantly, maintaining it. 
Culture is done through the small things. It's done through that little engagement, the micro-conversations, micro-communications that you have with your team on a one-to-one basis. The way you approach those team members day to day, morning and afternoon, is what maintains a strong company culture. 
Our company culture is all about transparency and trust that extends itself within the company and to the client, but also between me as the CEO/founder and our team members. The way we maintain that trust and transparency is through regular one-to-ones, making sure people feel that leaders and line managers are approachable at all times and that they are making time to communicate with staff, as well as not having to rely on staff always having to put something in their calendar if they just want to have a discussion about a slight hurdle they are facing. So, not only having those organized one-to-ones but also having constant availability around management is really important; the effect it has had on our business is that it's made it incredibly efficient. 
So much time and investment is lost because staff (particularly the younger generation) feel they can't have uncomfortable conversations with their line managers. Therefore, if they want to go for an opportunity within the business, they feel they deserve a pay raise, or if they are having a problem with a colleague and are struggling to talk about this with a staff member who is higher up because that open conversation isn't there, which creates a lack of trust. They would prefer to leave a company rather than have that uncomfortable conversation about a raise or a promotion. 
I would say it's made us far more efficient as maintaining this trustworthiness and transparency has allowed us to switch to a four-day workweek because we are far more efficient with our communication. People tend to work with each other collaboratively and freely, and that allows us to be highly efficient, therefore reducing our workweek to four days.

Andrew Barry · Answer

I firmly believe that our greatest asset lies in our people. They are the driving force behind our success, and as such, we ensure they have all the resources needed to excel. This support takes various forms, including trust, guidance, and ample time for idea development and creative pursuits.
Beyond learning, our culture revolves around open communication, collaboration, and active participation in decision-making. Every team member is encouraged to contribute their insights and expertise. Although seemingly small, these actions create a sense of value, respect, and inclusivity among us all. The outcomes are consistently enhanced when everyone is fully engaged and contributing their best efforts.

Harrison Jordan · Answer

I like to reward my workers whenever they have reached milestones or put extra work into an effort. There are various programs and plugins out there that allow you to reward employees with points that, in turn, can be redeemed on virtual credit cards and hundreds of in-person rewards. Cash is king, as they say, and this is a way to reward them and give them a path to success. This strategy creates positive reinforcement, doesn't take much time or effort to implement, and is just one more tool in your toolbox to retain your employees and have their friends talking about your workplace in a good way.

Juan Carlos Munoz · Answer

In our space, building a strong company culture has meant turning every day into a chance for everyone to chip in, share ideas, and really feel part of the family. We celebrate our wins, big and small, and when the company does well, everyone does well—we share the success through company-performance-based bonuses. This approach has lit a spark in our team, leading to more creativity, dedication, and a genuine sense of belonging. It’s made our business not just a place to work, but a place where everyone is invested in our collective success.

Ben Davis · Answer

An impactful way I've fostered a strong company culture is by prioritizing employee development and growth opportunities. This involves investing in training programs, mentorship initiatives, and career advancement pathways that empower employees to reach their full potential. By providing ongoing learning and development opportunities, we demonstrate our commitment to supporting the professional growth and personal well-being of our team members. This focus on employee development not only enhances individual skill sets and capabilities but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement throughout the organization.
The effect of prioritizing employee development on our business has been profound. Not only has it boosted employee morale, engagement, and retention, but it has also led to a more skilled and adaptable workforce. Employees feel valued and invested in the company's success, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and commitment. Additionally, a culture that promotes learning and development attracts top talent, strengthens our employer brand, and enhances our reputation as an employer of choice in the industry. Ultimately, investing in employee development has been instrumental in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and fueling long-term success for our business.

Casey Jones · Answer

Absolutely. Fostering company culture starts with clear values—values that resonate on a personal level with each team member. Commitment, innovation, trust—these aren't just words to us; they're the framework for every decision and interaction.
We've created an environment where feedback is a gift. Open communication channels mean that ideas and concerns flow both ways. This transparency cultivates trust and respect.
Recognition is also key. Celebrating small wins and big achievements alike reinforces the behavior that drives our company forward. It boosts morale significantly.
The effect? It's been transformative. There's a palpable sense of ownership among the team. When your team believes in the culture, they go the extra mile not because they have to, but because they want to. That's when you see productivity and quality soar.
Our culture has transformed clients into true partners. Relationships are deeper, projects are more collaborative. They see the energy, the dedication. It's more than just good for business; it's good for the soul of the business.

Alari Aho · Answer

I’ve been deeply involved in nurturing our company culture from the ground up. With our global, remote-first team, fostering a cohesive and vibrant company culture has been both a challenge and a joy. Here, I’d love to share some insights into how we’ve built our company culture and the impact it has had on our business.
We've welcomed the concept of 'failure celebrations' with open arms as a part of our culture. It’s a space where team members can share mistakes and learnings, building an environment where failure is not shunned but seen as a stepping stone for growth. This culture encourages experimentation and innovation, making our team more agile and creative in solving problems and pursuing new ideas without the fear of failure.
The effect: Celebrating failures has cultivated a resilient and innovative team spirit. This openness has accelerated our learning curve, allowing us to pivot and adapt quickly, which has been crucial in staying ahead in the fast-paced tech industry. It’s fostered a culture where risk-taking is rewarded, directly contributing to our growth and ability to innovate.

Phil McParlane · Answer

We’ve cultivated a strong company culture by prioritizing personal growth and development. Every employee is given access to a yearly budget for professional development courses, seminars, or workshops of their choosing. This investment in our team’s skills and knowledge not only boosts individual confidence but also brings a wealth of fresh ideas and perspectives into our agency.
The ripple effect has been tremendous. Our staff are more equipped to tackle the unique challenges of the recruitment industry, and we’ve seen a significant improvement in the quality of candidates we place. This commitment to development has also fostered a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to share their new insights, further enriching our collective expertise.
This approach has resonated well with our clients, who appreciate the high caliber of service and the innovative recruitment strategies we employ. It’s a testament to the fact that when you invest in your people, the returns go beyond the balance sheet, enhancing the entire ecosystem of the business.

Victor Santoro · Answer

Creating a strong company culture has been a cornerstone of success in my ventures, notably with Profit Leap, an AI-powered business acceleration firm. A pivotal strategy that enriched our company culture was leveraging technology to foster inclusivity and collaboration. For instance, by embracing digital communication platforms and AI-driven insights, we facilitated a more accessible and transparent work environment. This not only streamlined our processes but also empowered members to contribute more meaningfully, regardless of their physical location.
Moreover, integrating my medical background into a business context, I prioritized the diagnosis of organizational health, emphasizing the well-being of our team as much as operational efficiency. This approach led us to implement flexible work arrangements and wellness programs long before they became corporate norms. Recognizing that a healthy workforce is synonymous with a productive workforce, these initiatives cultivated a culture of care, significantly reducing turnover rates and boosting job satisfaction.
Lastly, the creation of HUXLEY, the AI business advisor chatbot, stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and continuous learning. Encouraging the team to partake in its development not only instilled a culture of innovation but also demystified AI and technology, making them integral parts of our company ethos. This fostered a dynamic and forward-thinking culture, where learning and adapting became the norm. The impact of these practices transcended beyond the walls of our offices, contributing to a sustained increase in productivity, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the bottom line.

Ken Fortney · Answer

Fostering a strong company culture has been a cornerstone of success in my experience, especially in environments like tech startups and content creation agencies. One strategy that really made a difference was implementing regular team-building exercises and open feedback sessions. For instance, while leading a team at a SaaS company, we introduced monthly "innovation days" where everyone could pitch new ideas or solutions unrelated to their daily tasks. This not only boosted creativity but also fostered a sense of ownership and belonging among team members.
Moreover, recognizing and rewarding contributions significantly impacted morale and productivity. At my digital content agency, we instituted a 'kudos' system where team members could acknowledge each other's efforts. This small gesture went a long way in building a positive environment where everyone felt valued. The result was a noticeable increase in both individual satisfaction and collective output.
Having a clear mission and set of values that are communicated and embodied by the leadership also plays a critical role. In my SEO agency, we made our mission to elevate local businesses clear from day one. This shared purpose helped align our goals, shaping a culture where every achievement felt like a step towards that larger goal. Keeping the team aligned with what we were trying to achieve for our clients ensured that everyone understood the importance of their role within the organization, driving engagement and fostering a supportive company culture.

Jon Hill · Answer

There are a lot of different factors that need to come together in order to create a strong company culture, and it can be difficult to untangle and isolate these factors to determine the specific effect of each. Having said that, though, I would say that the single best thing we have done at The Energists to strengthen our company culture is implementing a robust and transparent internal communication system that gives every team member a voice and a chance to provide input into the decision-making process. 
One thing that makes creating and maintaining a company culture so challenging is that it’s not completely in the leadership’s control. Leaders can help create a strong culture with the policies they put into place and how they communicate and enforce them, but ultimately the success or failure of culture initiatives is in the hands of the team. Employees are the main ones who perpetuate the culture and ensure it takes root within the organization. The more they feel ownership over the culture, and have the opportunity to contribute to it, the stronger the overall culture will be. This is why I see communication as such an important piece in this puzzle. It isn’t the only thing you need to create a strong company culture, but I would say it is absolutely necessary—without open and transparent communication surrounding culture initiatives, they can only succeed through luck, and that’s something you never want to rely on as a business leader.

Matt Little · Answer

When it comes to building a strong corporate culture, one significant method that we've employed is by instilling a sense of ownership and empowerment in our employees.
We've fostered a culture of accountability and initiative by allowing our employees to take responsibility for their work and make decisions on their own. Every team member feels valued and trusted, which boosts motivation and job satisfaction.
The impact on our business has been substantial. With a team that is invested in the company's success, we have seen increased productivity, creativity, and innovation. Our employees are more engaged, which results in better customer service and, ultimately, happier clients who return for more of our stunning LED fairy lights.

Precious Abacan · Answer

Ethics. That's the foundation of our strong company culture. The influence of leadership and ethical practices shouldn't be underestimated.
When it comes to teams and company culture, the role of leaders is significant. That's why in our company, we urge our leaders to recognize the impact ethical leadership can have on the workplace environment. They should embody and promote positive values, ensuring these principles are understood and implemented.
Also, in today's world, online media can swiftly damage a company's reputation. Conversely, it can have a beneficial effect when your primary concern is your employees and their well-being. Companies that prioritize their staff and uphold ethical practices tend to attract more talent, boosting their success. Moreover, employees who feel secure and valued are less likely to leave. High workforce retention is a clear indicator of a positive workplace culture.

Abdul Rahmani · Answer

In a small business, the leadership team significantly influences the company culture. One effective strategy I've implemented to foster a strong company culture is **Leadership by Example**. By consistently demonstrating the behaviors, ethics, and values we espouse, the leadership team sets a powerful precedent for the entire organization. This approach has led to a foundational culture that everyone in the company strives to emulate.
The impact of this strategy on our business has been profound. It has promoted a **Culture of Ownership** among employees, which is crucial in a small business setting where resources are limited. Team members take greater initiative and responsibility for their work, leading to enhanced efficiency and a collective drive towards the company's success. Each individual becomes a proactive stakeholder, deeply invested in the outcomes of the business, which has been instrumental in our growth and achievements.

What Are Effective Ways to Foster a Strong Company Culture?

What Are Effective Ways to Foster a Strong Company Culture?

Cultivate Culture Through Small Engagements

Value People as the Greatest Asset

Reward Employees with Recognition Programs

Share Success with Performance Bonuses

Invest in Employee Development Opportunities

Embrace Values and Open Communication

Celebrate Failures to Foster Innovation

Invest in Personal Growth and Development

Leverage Technology for Inclusivity and Collaboration

Implement Team-Building and Open Feedback

Foster Culture with Transparent Communication

Instill Ownership and Empowerment

Lead with Ethics and Positive Values

Demonstrate Leadership by Example