By Brad Layland, CEO
This quote, often attributed to Peter Drucker, a management consultant, highlights the importance of workplace culture. While strategies can guide an organization toward specific goals, a vibrant and positive culture provides essential support. Without this, even the best strategies can falter. Workplace culture is the backbone of an organization, influencing morale, productivity, and overall effectiveness.
But what underpins such a vibrant workplace culture? Often, the organization’s brand—its core values and principles—forms its foundation.
At the core of every thriving culture is a strong, resonant brand. This brand encapsulates the organization’s ethos and mission, guiding behavior and setting expectations. For The FOCUS Group, the foundational pillars of our brand are Jesus, Relationships, and Fun. These pillars are not only central to our fundraising counsel but also embody the essence of our workplace environment.
Committed to enhancing our workplace culture, we annually engage Best Christian Workplaces to evaluate it. This external assessment helps us gauge how effectively we embody our core values in our daily operations. We are proud to have been recognized for our thriving culture each year we’ve participated in this evaluation. It’s a testament to our commitment to creating a supportive and joyful workplace where all employees can truly thrive.
Arthur Brooks, in his insightful book From Strength to Strength, discusses finding joy in work by engaging in meaningful activities alongside good people. According to Brooks, joy at work arises from the combination of purpose and community—themes that deeply resonate with The FOCUS Group’s culture. This framework supports the idea that deeper meaning in our work and quality relationships can dramatically increase engagement and satisfaction.
Reflecting on these insights, I offer three simple suggestions for you as you lead or engage your team this summer:
- Spend some time with your team discussing your organization’s core values and evaluate if you are truly living them out at work.
- Plan enjoyable summer activities with your team—perhaps a lunch potluck, an afternoon at the park, or a team outing.
- Make time for team members to share successes that highlight the meaningful impact of your organization’s work, ensuring that everyone, not just those on the front lines, understands the importance of their contributions.
Remember that your organization’s strength doesn’t just come from what you do but also from how you do it. The culture you cultivate not only shapes your team’s daily experiences but also molds your organization’s overall success. A vibrant culture can support a thriving workplace and propel us toward achieving our most ambitious goals.