b'THEPOWEROFGOMPANYCULTURE Anthony Schena I had the pleasure ofon companyhad a friend who knew ofandto speakingmy business worriesoffered culturethe BestSuccess conferencecome pray withatoffice. I have a strongand atofmemyfaithwas inwhich was ansecomforted by that thought. September,honor becauI enjoy the people I workTo manyithunprov,ith every day. Roofing is a stressfulpeople, mixing faith w business seems business. I want toin an environment where peoplefessional, butpartme thatdon\'t feel I should hide. I beareit is aofI happybeand notthe nextinvited othersmyjoin us, andwithix toworkinglooking foropportunityinoffice towhat startedsto e-mail outOur culture wasn\'t always rosy, butemployees eventually grewa weekly group of 10-12 a resume.topeople. now I can say I amby others ongoodvVe have proudlygoing for 4 years and have not often complimentedthekept this vibe andin ourOuris ourmissed a week yet. 1he time we spend together helps us see harmonyworkplace.secretculture. What Is Culture?eachcreates aus. intoother\'s lives andgreater bond among Taking time toabout eachhelps bring Remember in 8th-grade science class, when we grew cells orlearn moreother us together asteamhelps define us ascompanytissue inpetri dishes? Well, that\'s one type ofaanda. grossculture.We are able to better understand each other\'s interests and 1heL-ype means "a waythinking:\' My company otherofcom strengths, which helps us place people inwhere bines both definitions, so that culture is a waythinking thatpositionsthey ofcan excel andmore fulfilled in their defines howcompanyfeeljob. Our employees ourgrows.also are moreandthey feel Mostusconstantly thinldngtoproductivededicated because ofareabout howkeep thepartsomething truly unique. Wben you combinethose bottombutlose sightittotheofall line healthy,weof whattakesgetfactors, you gethard-working group ofwho want the boLtom line healthy.strategies come to mind, includingapeople Manycompanysucceedhelp you reach your goal of crackingproverbialatemployees to gettoanda healthy thewhipyourthembottom to workworldngcuttingorline. harder,longer hours,benefits,micromanagingminute of the workday. ParticularlyourSteps to Creating a Positive Culture everyin technology-driven society, where we can easily find answersHow can you malrn some changes to yours? I am busineson Google, we also expect immediate results from oura firm believer thatstarts attopithCEO, staff.changethew the Inthe onlythatinenvironmentmanager, orone else is going to change if reality,thingswill growthatsupervisor. Noyou are stress, resentment, lackproductivity, andlot ofdon\'t do itare a few ways to create ofapeoplefirst. Herea positive culture running outdoor attime.inworkplace: thequittingthe I learnedthe effects ofwhen ofpositive working culturethe economy fell apart2009 andWe had toCommunicatewithemployees. Hold inbusiness was brutal.regularlyyour make some tough choicesfigure out howreinvent ourr-.Iondayhuddles for 5 or 10 minutes to getour staff andtomorningybusiness with a smallerwere uneasy times, buttogether and talkanything interestinglives outstaff. ThoseIaboutin their side ofItpeople work.helps feel comfortable ,-vi.th each other and promotes better teamwork. Likewise, quarterly meetings provide anto update opportunity everyone on company goals andeveryone\'s input get onw to make positive hoand changesimprove the qualit ofur yyo business environment.these Starting meetings with a quick, fun activitya treat orwill relax everyone and inspire creativity. 20www.mrca.org- Midwest Roofer'