12 Ideas to Strengthen Culture

Corporate culture is a funny thing. Similar to my favorite definition of brand — how you feel about the last experience with a company — culture is expectations of how people behave, both internal and external, at a company. Only, without intentionality around culture, culture will be inconsistent and corresponding behavior expectations low. The strongest cultures have clear values, repeatable processes, and high expectations.

Culture is powerful.

Culture is a unique differentiator.

Culture is the only thing in complete control of the entrepreneurs.

Here are 12 ideas to strengthen culture:

1. Establish the mission, vision, and values
2. Develop a Simplified One Page Strategic Plan and update it quarterly
3. Build SMART goals/OKRs and revisit them weekly
4. Run daily check-ins for active organization of priorities
5. Organize an interview flow for the desired values
6. Integrate culture check teams in the hiring process
7. Ensure quarterly check-ins to review results and areas for improvement
8. Highlight the hero and idea of the month
9. Send a weekly update email to keep everyone aligned
10. Solicit regular employee feedback at all levels
11. Incentivize internal referrals for people with similar values
12. Escape the office with regular off-site retreats

High performing companies have high performing cultures. Use these ideas to build a strong, enduring culture.