Develop A Positive Culture In Your Small Business

by Yvonne Russell

It's easy for negativity to spiral and to pervade the culture of a business.

As a small business owner or manager, it's important to highlight the strengths and develop a positive culture in your small business.

This does not mean you gloss over discontent or areas of concern. It means you need to listen and be open to feedback.

A Positive Culture Begins At The Top
This has to come from the top. I've just read an excellent article by Quint Studer.

He discusses leadership tactics for accentuating the positive, and turning a company's culture around.

He says

The solution is to hone the fine art of managing up.
Managing up means positioning your people, products, or company in a positive light. I teach my clients how to hardwire the technique into their corporate leadership practices.

Managing up doesn't just happen; you have to make it happen in a systematic way. Help employees understand what can happen when negativity is allowed to breed—good people quit and customers leave—and they'll be more likely to stop doing it. 

Studer recommends the following key leadership tactics  to make a positive impact on your business -

• Accentuate the positive
• Get rid of low performers
• Make a real connection with employees
• Say thanks

I can highly recommend this article, and the practicality and effectiveness of Quint Studer's leadership approach.

Source: http://www.smallbizmentor.com/2007/12/develop_a_positive_culture_in.html