One of the most important things in a company is having a strong organizational culture. And in startups this would not be different either.
According to a survey conducted by McKinsey consultancy, 84% of executives believe that organizational culture is fundamental to the success of an organization.
So, I’m not alone in that line of thinking. And I say more, in the case of startups, this number can be even higher, since they are constantly evolving and need to adapt quickly to market changes and challenges that arise along the way.
Therefore, I made this article to explain why organizational culture is crucial to the success of startups and to present some of the main benefits.
Organizational culture defines the identity of the company
Just to point it out, organizational culture is the set of values, beliefs, habits and behaviors that permeate a startup and define its identity.
It is from there that employees understand their goals, their priorities and how they should behave to achieve them.
In practice, it translates into daily habits, such as how to communicate, make decisions, deal with conflicts, celebrate achievements, among others. It is through these habits that culture is manifested and consolidated.
I see that in the case of startups, this strengthening of the organizational culture is especially important.
After all, in many cases, they are composed of small and young teams, which need clear guidance on how they should act and work to achieve the objectives.
Organizational culture attracts and retains talent
Another benefit of organizational culture is that it helps attract and retain talent. Therefore, I reinforce that it is a determining factor in choosing a professional.
After all, people want to work in organizations that share their values and have a purpose that motivates them.
When employees identify with the culture and feel part of the team, they are more likely to stay with the company and contribute to its success.
Organizational culture improves team performance
Another point that I also think is important to highlight is that a strong organizational culture has a positive impact on team performance. That’s because it helps create a more productive, collaborative, and engaged work environment.
When employees share the same values and goals, they feel more motivated to work together to achieve results.
Furthermore, when transparency, open communication and honesty are valued, conflicts and misunderstandings are prevented, preventing more serious problems from arising.
This makes the startup more agile and efficient, allowing the team to focus on what really matters: developing innovative products and services and conquering new customers.
Organizational culture strengthens the brand
Finally, organizational culture strengthens the brand. When it is clear, consistent and aligned with the company’s values, it helps build a positive image with customers, partners and investors.
That’s why I say that it is a real differentiator for startups, especially in the technology market, which is highly competitive and dynamic.
Those who manage to build a strong and coherent culture are more likely to win the respect and admiration of their public, which is fundamental for their long-term survival.
But Tiago, how to develop a strong organizational culture?
To develop a strong organizational culture, however, it is necessary to be aware of the company’s values and objectives, involve employees in building this culture and maintain a constant dialogue about what is important to everyone.
That is, you cannot define it yourself. It is necessary that culture be based on broad dialogue, in a democratic way, involving all leaders and teams.
The greater the participation for this construction, the greater the chances of having a deeper engagement and, consequently, more success in your journey.
Over time, a strong culture becomes a valuable asset, capable of helping the startup overcome challenges and achieve its most ambitious goals. Do you agree?
