“There’s no magic formula for great company culture. The key is just to treat your staff how you would like to be treated.”
-Sir Richard Branson
Culture can determine the fate of our companies, and our safety processes. While there are many definitions of culture, one key to keep in mind is that the accepted behaviors, beliefs, and values are passed along by communication and imitation. It is imitation that requires observance and diligence to understand how the culture works, and to change it.
Business entrepreneurs don’t start a business simply to show up and maintain the status quo; rather, they drive for innovation: a different way of doing things.
Business and safety: many times the two clash; however, when the ideas of prevention are aligned with business focus, they become action.
While businesses have processes and procedures to accomplish the tasks that assure results, its leadership in allowing a positive culture to thrive that drives success. Positive cultures are safe cultures not only set by a safe work environment, they are set by people feeling it’s safe to bring up the tough things, not just what’s going right. Actions that demonstrate respect, trust, and value for each person’s contribution creates and sustains a great culture both in good times and bad.