When I started Worx in 2007, I was a one-woman show. I never had formal leadership training or knew what it really took to be a "boss," so when I hired my first employee, a new world opened up. It's kind of like parenting - you don't really know what you're doing so you learn as you go. There are books that tell you how to do it "right" but what I've found, in both parenting and being a leader, it depends on your own unique style.
Being a boss is hard work. You're probably the one that everyone turns to for help, answers and guidance. Like leading a flock of birds in the air, you're the one at the front of the line, orchestrating the direction that everyone goes in. No pressure. Being a boss is a lot of fun, too. I love being the person that guides us all to success and can break the silence with an impromptu dance party. The way that the team speaks, acts, listens and performs creates a company's culture. It is the atmosphere you create at work that makes everyone feel a part of one collective mission. It's how you treat your employees, your policies, your atmosphere and your core values.
Providing a kick-ass culture is a priority for me. Why? Because the girls on my team are human beings and they deserve to be treated as such. Each one of them have their own passions, goals and strengths. There are two parts to being happy at work: do something you have a passion for and do it in a place that makes you feel appreciated and loved. My girls are doing their half by pursuing a career that they love. I'm providing the atmosphere that allows them to thrive.
As the Worx team has grown, I have learned a lot about what it takes to grow the atmosphere. Here are a few things that have played a valuable part in our success. Feel free to adopt any that feel right in your gut. Just remember, each workplace is unique - create a space that is authentic to your team.
- I don't like the word boss. I prefer leader, honestly. I'm not here to boss my gals around. I'm here to lead them to success. Choose a title that suits your leadership style best.
- We're approachable. We have an open and honest policy. I've created an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing information with each other, whether it's a pat on the back or a difficult conversation that needs to happen. My team comes to me just as easily as I go to them.
- Treat them like humans. They have lives, needs and desires. Listening to what is important them lets them feel heard. When they feel heard, they feel appreciated. If someone has a sick kid at home, their mom is calling or they aren't feeling well, I like to encourage them to take care of the things that matter most in their life. I do that in my own life so I created a culture where they can do the same.
- Give them time. We work on really heavy deadlines that are demanding, so the days pass by quickly. We've recently worked in "blackout days" which allows everyone to work uninterrupted from phone calls, email or inside input. This gives them time to feel extra accomplished. I also love random "let's leave at 3pm for no reason" and surprise holidays off.
- Invest in your team. Inspiration plays a huge role in our company culture. That's why you'll find us attending inspirational conferences like Leadercast, developing The Green Couch Project and celebrating each other's milestones. I love to grow their minds! This is something we can each benefit from as an individual and as a team.
- Share the inside stuff. I am very open about where we are and where we are headed as a company. I'm a huge fan of sharing my deepest desires with the team. I also share when things are rocky and I need patience. By inviting them in, we are collectively working towards the same goal. No one feels left out or on the outside.
- Play into their strengths. I love personality tests. We recently did the Gallop's StrengthsFinder test - this told each of us our top 5 strengths. I know who is the best executer, who's the best at relationship building and who's the strategic thinker. While I do challenge them to get out of their comfort zones, I know they are hardwired differently. Honing in on their strengths gives them power and confidence.
- Create a balance. It's great to have fun and be open, but make sure to set boundaries. By doing this, you let the team know that you're part of them, but ultimately the leader is responsible for making sure that everyone is accomplishing their tasks and performing to their best ability. You can have fun, but you also have to get stuff done. My team understands that and does not take advantage of it.
- Cupcakes. When in doubt, give them cupcakes. Know their dietary restrictions and favorite flavors. Sometimes cupcakes are welcomed with a cold beverage from the fridge. It makes everyone smile. Just sayin'.
- Have fun. We love to celebrate! We work really hard every day to reach the goals we have for ourselves and our clients. We also have some fun along the way. We laugh, watch silly videos on YouTube and make silly impressions of TV personalities. Laughing is an amazing way to break up the day.
I can't say that I've mastered company culture 100%; I'm always looking for ways to improve it. However, I can say that I'm really proud of the progress that we've made towards it. I love that my team talks about their day in a positive and upbeat way to their families at home. I love that they get excited to come back every day and that we're all part of this incredible energy together.
INTERESTING FACT: I polled everyone in the office, asking what makes Worx a kick-ass atmosphere. They all answered separately with the same results. I compared them to the list above and they are the same (except no one came out and said that cupcakes were an awesome perk, but I think it is). This tells me that we are completely aligned with our goals and core values. Share your values with your team - it creates a unified and passionate atmosphere.
INTERESTING FACT: I polled everyone in the office, asking what makes Worx a kick-ass atmosphere. They all answered separately with the same results. I compared them to the list above and they are the same (except no one came out and said that cupcakes were an awesome perk, but I think it is). This tells me that we are completely aligned with our goals and core values. Share your values with your team - it creates a unified and passionate atmosphere.
Creating a culture that is unique to you and your team will not only make for happier people, it will give them the atmosphere they need to flourish and succeed for everyone.
-Laura
