What is it About Culture?

Why has office culture and business culture become the buzz word in our industry?

The American Heritage Dictionary (circa 1985) has numerous descriptions for the term culture. My two favorites are:

1.    “The act of developing the social, moral and intellectual faculties through education”

2.    “Intellectual and artistic activity, and the works produced by it”

The culture of a branch is a living, breathing work in progress. It’s the unstated attraction of an environment inviting people to belong simply because it feels right.

All the intellectual recruiting in the world will not attract people who are not comfortable with the culture of the office. Think about it! Even “dog-eat-dog” is a palatable culture, but wouldn’t you avoid it if possible?

Doesn’t a nurturing, collaborative and professional environment lead to confidence and pride in your business life? Associating with successful colleagues and successful leadership, combined with a sincere commitment to excellent customer service is the ultimate answer to “where should I work?”

I must say, it’s so much easier to decide where I wouldn’t want to work.

-Paula Fortier, Bellevue, WA