7 signs of poor company culture

The culture does not get a job done, but not much can be accomplished long term without a great culture. Culture are created, shaped and reinforced by people, not the value list on the website. Therefore it’s more something one feels rather than knows, experiences from management letters, how it's dealt with people joining, but mostly, with people leaving.

What are the signs?

1. The morale is low. * The morale is low despite good perks. Perks do not create the culture, and cannot fix it. Substituting culture with perks can be spotted by keeping so called „B players”. * Lack of right tools for people to succeed. It starts with them being inspired but they are hit hard by lack of quality tools, management, and support to deliver to high standard.

2. There is no culture of open feedback. It’s either overly sweet or sickeningly competitive. Gossiping, silos, blaming.

3. Double standards - people communicate using different standards depending who they are speaking with, employees, subcontractors or clients.

4. No knowledge sharing - silos; internal competition is more fierce than the real one, with the market competition.

5. No proper onboarding structure to set people for success. The new-be becomes a problem for existing employees and a boss; the rules of the game are convoluted; lack of career plan; training is not adequate; lack of easy access to tools and people to seek support. Before they reach their potential they are already pigeonholed.

6. Lack of process to gather ideas and implement improvement across organization. The top keeps themselves in the bubble of smartness.

7. People working long hours over extended period of time. In some organizations long hours are your honor badge or expected standard. However studies show that long hours actually hinder creativity, and long term lead to hidden resentment and burn out. It also eventually reduces performance and happiness. On the other hand, rushing and spinning the revolting doors at 5pm may be a worrying sign either.

Tip:

The team weakest link, the worst performer will impact the results, drive and motivation of the entire team.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Review the list and give a score from 1 to 5.

2. Ask a few team members what they think on your assessment.

3. Ask a team members what they could change if they could change one think.

4. Create a plan for improvement on one point.

5. Expand on point 4 - read or listen to TED to pick up new ideas.