As today’s younger generation shapes society, many businesses find the impact of a multi-generational workforce is shifting company culture, as well. As a result, workers are more accepting of the differences that make us individual and unique.
Companies like Zappos, Google, Patagonia and Apple are successful in large part because they are culture-driven organizations that are quickly adapting to today’s changing landscape. They celebrate and encourage individualism, while redefining what it means to be part of a team. Today’s business leaders must adapt how they manage to embrace a changing cultural landscape.
Here are three leadership guidelines that can help to harness this cultural change by building a “mosaic organization” that drives success in this ever-changing business environment:
###Embrace individuality while connecting to a common purpose
Why do we get up every morning and go into work? There is no single answer; however, studies show that while individual motivators vary, the most successful companies are those that are driven by a common purpose. Yet, they respect individual boundaries while finding common areas of connection that are essential foundations of collaboration and teamwork.
###Recognize that individual contributions drive the team
Everyone wants to make their own mark on the work of a company. Business is actually driven by the contributions of individuals. By recognizing the unique strengths and needs of each individual, teams can foster stronger collaboration and better outcomes. Bottom line: let people be themselves.
###Provide support at the individual level
It is not enough for a company to say that it is people-centric. Its culture must facilitate and support the individual in his or her work—providing the tools, clarity and environment each individual needs to contribute to the common goal. Companies that clearly define individual roles and positions within the team can drive accountability and ownership. It starts with the individual.
Companies today must respect a “mosaic of individuals” in order to foster a culture that works in today’s changing landscape.
What other things must companies do to create culture that embraces individualism? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter via @IntrinzicSays.
