Understanding Your Company’s Culture: Identifying Culture Keepers vs. Culture Killers

I’m often asked, “How do we understand our company’s culture?” It’s a challenging question to answer because organizational culture isn’t completely tangible. It’s something you feel, not something you get your hands on.

I like to think of organizational culture as the company’s personality – in the same way you might describe someone you know. Are they honest, passionate, and reliable? We might call these same descriptors transparent, purpose-driven, and accountable in the corporate world. Conversely, is there someone who you know who is needy, gossipy, or selfish? Culture translation: inefficient, untrustworthy, and cutthroat.

As you might imagine, those on the positive side create positive environments. They’re the “Culture Keepers” that a company should nurture and empower to spread the good vibes. Those on the other end of the spectrum are the “Culture Killers.” No matter how good they may be at their job, they are ultimately sucking out the good stuff from your team environment.

Every heard that expression, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”? Well that rings especially true in the culture space. A company’s culture is the average of the personalities that make up the team.

Important Note: One tyrannical person does not get zeroed out by a kind person. Negative extremes pull a company into a toxic environment, especially if that culture killer is in a position of authority.

So, what’s your company’s personality makeup? Do you have more Culture Killers or Keepers? Take an inventory and let us know!