Business Culture Creation

When the word culture is mentioned what comes to mind? Is it travel to far off shores and new destinations. Perhaps you think of the refinement and finesse of the arts. Maybe the suits and ties of Wall Street.
Every country has a its own unique culture, the expression of values, likes and dislikes, arts, food, and ethos.
Whatever you think, stepping into another culture almost always triggers culture shock.
Culture shock is potentially a fantastic or excruciating experience of being way out of your comfort zone and engaging in something different to the norm.
Imagine arriving in Paris, the fabled city of love, for the first time. Your hands are shaking as you exit the terminal station with the ineffable feelings of romance.
If you're single you have this strong sense that around the next cobblestoned corner you will find that French damsel or bachelor that will expose you to that European love affair that could turn into something more.
You struggle to comprehend the local language and communicate more in gesture rather than words badly mispronounced from a guidebook.
Even the air appears to taste different. Instead of seeing adverts for Cadbury's and Pascal chocolate bars you see Bonnat.
The culture is different, it is not just one specific thing but a myriad of interrelating aspects that create the whole.
Every company is like this.
You cross the border into another world when you walk into someone else's office.
When you walk into a business you are immediately hit by a culture shock as you experience the way they do business.
This is exaggerated should you be dealing internationally.
Most people tend to mask their shortcomings by giving the excuse "this is how we do it in Africa".
Well, that is fine, but you need to have enough culture in your company that people can relate to if you are willing to do business and gain enough new and exciting experiences to give you a slight edge in your deals.
I am basically going to look at three things that could take your company from Harare to Paris.
Food and drink
As humans we loved to gather around food. Some Zimbabweans definitely get this point.
Amai Garwe's restaurant, and other establishments in the city, are business hotspots because most of the patrons understand this concept.
One of the first things you ask when visiting someone's home is "Is their food good?" Why should it be any different with your business.
It's better to wait for an appointment with a cup of coffee in hand than to stare empty handed at stark walls.
Being offered a biscuit and coffee changes the whole mood.
I was at the ZTA Cocktail at Pandari lodge and it was not the Italian band or the different CEO's that were giving speeches or Miss Zimbabwe Universe that really got the smiles going.
It was the chicken bits, the wine and the cheese, which frankly disappeared within minutes. Internally, this theory counts. In the company that I work for I have taken on what are called "Bullet Coffees".
Instead of having a meeting where it's you, a notepad and an agenda, change the culture and say to the person you are working with "Let's grab a croissant and enjoy our discussion".
That meeting will turn from being the stress point in your day to something you look forward to.
The best part of a boring flight is when you get your food.
Meetings are no different. As we know a good conversation is one thing, but a good conversation over a fantastic dinner is memorable.
Geniality
When the client is the burden, and when I am that client I feel like shooting the CEO with a paintball gun.
A rude receptionist is a cost to the company - every interaction with employees or clients creates the business culture.
Is there a policy in some businesses to make the customer feel like hell when they make a small mistake?
Do people walk through your doors and find laughter, big hellos, and a ready attitude?
Do you have a receptionist who can not be bothered to jump off her feet and shake a person's hand because it's not in their job description?
The Ritz Carlton in Chicago has a policy that hiring is entirely based on attitude, and less on skill.
The culture of geniality is more important then getting the hottest CV on your payroll system. Which leads us to point three.
Atmosphere
In the perfect light everything can be extraordinary. My friend asked me where he should go for his honeymoon with his art-loving lady.
Italy, I said without hesitation, "from Rome to Venice you will not have to lift a finger.
"Let Italy do the work, let the art do the talking and put her in an emotional daze."
What do people feel when they enter your office?
What emotions are stirred by the décor, the state of cleanliness, the clear and helpful signs, the smiles of the staff.
Think of a funeral home, it is only a room with some tasteful décor but how many will host a wedding there? It is all about the atmosphere.