Create a healthy culture to be an effective, resilient organization

Author Jennifer Persike, president/founder of Jennifer Persike & Company, is an innovative strategist and visionary leader with more than 30 years of experience with California water and energy utilities, statewide associations, non-profits and corporations.

Culture is the lifeblood of any organization. According to management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, “Culture is the cumulative effects of what people do and how they do it.”

A strong, positive culture can lead to increased employee engagement and retention, higher productivity, innovation and creativity, and better overall outcomes. The reverse can also be true when organizational culture is negative.

Nurturing a healthy culture is especially critical in the public sector. McKinsey & Company research shows public agencies sometimes struggle to balance providing effective and efficient services to customers while creating and maintaining a strong culture.

To strengthen your organizational culture, consider the following four strategies:

1. Create a shared purpose. This involves ensuring every team member understands why the work of the organization is important and that they are aligned with this purpose. When employees understand and believe in the organization’s mission, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
2. Identify a clear strategy. With a mission established, the next task is to create the strategy for how to get there. This helps focus on what you will and won’t be tackling to meet the mission.
3. Communicate with transparency. What you say and how you say it should reinforce your cultural values. As changes are made in the organization, communicate the why and repeat those messages often to ensure everyone on the team is in the loop.
4. Address conflicts constructively. Do not shy away from conflicts. Handle them constructively to improve the overall work environment. Encouraging open communication and providing training on conflict resolution can help employees navigate disagreements in a healthy and productive manner.

A healthy culture is the glue that binds an organization together. It plays a vital role in the overall health and success of an organization and directly impacts employee satisfaction, engagement and performance. Companies with positive cultures are often seen as desirable places to work, which can attract top talent and improve customer perceptions.

Interested in careers in the water sector? Visit the AWWA Career Center and its LinkedIn Career Center page to explore job opportunities.