Culture, from an organizational perspective, is the system of shared actions, stipulated values and beliefs within an organization which guide the conduct of members that develop over time. As a startup CEO, it is important to create the right culture; one that describes the organizational commitment, loyalty and organizational citizenship of its members. It is not an easy a task, but with enthusiasm to achieve organizational cohesion, the CEO can get it right.
The following are some of the techniques a startup CEO can use to create the right culture.
Encouraging participative decision-making
This is part of the “Management by Objective” technique whereby the CEO incorporates the views and opinions of employees in making crucial decisions concerning the business. This entails involvement in the initial formulation of objectives, continuous review of the objectives and problem solving to eliminate hindrances that may undermine the achievement of the objectives. This is important in fostering the right culture since it gives employees a sense of organizational belonging and oneness.
Promoting upward and downward communication
Relevant communication is another crucial component in creating and accentuating the right culture. It is the engine that ignites the desired culture. An effective CEO not only issues directives but also keenly listens to the suggestions of employees with an aim of steering organizational development to greater heights of excellence. Relevant communication ensures role clarification and performance expectations thus increasing efficiency in the completion of tasks making it easier for the CEO to manage the business.
Nurturing teamwork
A startup CEO should inculcate a culture of teamwork by encouraging employees to perform tasks in groups. Working in groups aims at providing flexibility of tasks. In this process, synergy is cultivated, and a strong team culture is born. Also, members learn to exercise respectful communication with one another which also contributes to creating the right culture.
Develop conflict management mechanisms
As the startup CEO goes about his/her daily undertakings, conflicts are inevitable which may undermine the creation of a right culture. To avert this situation and fortify the right culture, it is important for the CEO to develop conflict resolution methods such as negotiation, arbitration and accommodating other members.
People orientation
A right culture is one that is people-centered. This strategy involves the CEO putting into consideration the consequence of results of managerial decisions on members of the organization.
Offer charismatic leadership
A startup CEO can create the right culture by harnessing employees to rise above their personal interests by having the right personality. In other words, the CEO is the epitome of a true leader who the members of an organization can use a yardstick in evaluating themselves.
Practice meaningful formalization
Creating the right culture also entails precisely informing members on what is expected of them. It is giving members a sense of organizational direction by ensuring they are fully informed of the set goals and how to accomplish them.
Building the right culture depends on the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation the startup CEO provides to the employees. Above all, providing democratic and transformative leadership is the key ingredient towards achieving the right culture.
