It’s a fact: your competition gets better every day. The question is, how do we stay ahead of it?
Having coached for the last 10 years, I have worked with nearly a dozen different teams and organizations. The ones who stay ahead in competitive environments are the ones with strong cultures.
Now, there are hosts of characteristics strong organizations carry, but culture is the cornerstone. When evaluating teams, this is the first place to look for improvements that have quick, significant returns.
Culture includes the values an organization has, and can illustrate what you stand for. It begins with evaluating your mission. Is it clear, concrete and lived-and-breathed by all members? Is it constantly communicated, and are all heads in the game? This should be a top priority. How can we expect a team to perform at its full potential if the players do not know, word-for-word, what the mission and goals are?
Next, look for ways to build and improve your culture. When working with a new team, I ask myself the Big Three:
What do our facilities look like?
Good teams make a point of keeping clean facilities, locker rooms and equipment. Not only does it set the standard of “world class,” but it also gives them ownership. It’s theirs, and they should be proud of it. What do your buildings, offices, trucks, equipment, etc., say about you? For your employees, it sets the standard. For your customers, it’s a statement of discipline, efficiency and professionalism. You can’t make a second first impression, so don’t let your facilities work against you.
What do our uniforms look like?
You dress for what you want, not for what you have. And when people look and feel good, they perform better. I’ve showed up to fields to see players dressed in different color socks, some in tank tops, some in shirts, and with more colors than a bag of Skittles. Companies are no different; I’ve seen employees show up to job sites in cut off or un-tucked shirts, random hats and a Mr. T jewelry starter kit. Much like the role of facilities, uniforms separate the professionals from amateurs.
What’s coming out of our mouth?
Our tongues are powerful tools. And, now—with social media—one post or tweet can make or break a company. I always focus on two concerns: Profanity and integrity.
There is no benefit to profanity. How you talk in front of a customer should be no different than how you speak when away from them.
Integrity breeds trust. Trust is the number one factor that influences relationships, whether with your employees or customers. Do they trust that what you say is truthful, sincere and in everyone’s best interest? If not, you will have a hard time leading your employees and doing business with your customers.
Coach’s Game Plan: Evaluate your team’s culture, and ask yourself the Big Three. This exercise, along with the discipline of making any required adjustments, can breed success.