Written by Hannah Eaglen
Brand Manager

As an organization, we have utilized this strange quarantine period as a time of reflection and internal growth. We believe there is no better teacher than the past. With that being said, looking back at the values, events, and lessons that have shaped us into who we are today, we realized that there are a few things that we do differently than most companies which make all the difference in our success. We wish to share these tips with you in hopes that they will serve as inspiration for you and your organization moving forward.

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE

Your purpose has to be your driving factor. As an organization, your purpose should be clearly defined and understood by everyone on the inside of your company. When your purpose is kept in the forefront of everyone's minds, processes continue with more fluidity, evolution progresses without shifting outside of the organizational standards, and the brand message has a clear path from the internal developers to the consumers you touch externally.

CHASE CHANGE

Change is inevitable, not an option. We believe Sam Waterford said it best, “If you aren’t moving forwards, you’re falling backwards.” There is no such thing as standing still. As an organization, change should be a foundational part of your culture. Those who avoid change, avoid success. So, exercise your “change muscle” daily. Set the standard that no day is ever the same. There are many ways to do this even on a small scale, for example, plan a team activity, buy your team lunch, invite the team to work outside or remote for the day. These may seem like small changes, but that’s okay. At least, they are changes.

USE YOUR DIVERSITY

Some people believe that too much diversity within a team can make things difficult, awkward, or inconvenient. However, we have found that diversity is a crucial strength to utilize within an organization. Diversity isn’t just about physical appearance either. People’s backgrounds, surroundings, religious beliefs, age, and stage of life, play a huge factor in who they are and what mindset they bring to the table. When your company culture allows all opinions to flourish, people will really surprise you. So, push people out of their comfort zones, challenge your coworkers/employees, and truly listen to their opinions. When people feel heard, they will bring more to the table. When people bring more to the table, your organization as a whole will thrive.

TREAT CONSUMERS LIKE FAMILY

Treat people how they want to be treated, not like a walking dollar sign. If you show your consumer that you are dedicated to caring for them better than they can care for themselves, then they will be willing to trust you and form a relationship with you. The care you provide is what earns a connection and ultimately a relationship with your consumers. This is important, because once you have developed a positive relationship with your consumers, not only have you gained a customer, but you have also gained a brand advocate who will work to promote you.

STAND UP & STAND OUT

Show your audience that you care about your community and your consumers in it. The best way to stand out as an organization in the minds of the public is to stand up. Stand up for public issues that are relevant to your organization, volunteer in your community, or participate in outreach programs. People notice and respond to companies who are willing to sacrifice their time and money, rather than just focusing on making a quick buck. If you can show your audience that you care about more than making a profit, they will be more receptive to everything else internally and externally in your organization.

TREAT FAILURE AS A STEPPING STONE

There is beauty in failure. Let me repeat that, THERE IS BEAUTY IN FAILURE. Although mistakes may be inconvenient, and the word "failure" may make some people run in the opposite direction, we choose to embrace it. Each "failure" puts you one step closer to success, so why not get them out of the way? There is no one less productive than the person who is afraid to make a mistake. So, when you do make a mistake or fail at a task, take responsibility for it, face it head-on, fix it, and finally, learn from it.

BREAK THE RULES

From the time we are young, we learn patterns, social norms, cultural "rules", and long-held assumptions that shape the way we are "supposed" to view things. But that begs the question, who sets these rules, norms, and standards that we are bound to follow? We say no more. Think outside the cultural box. "Nobody else does it," is never a good reason to avoid giving something a try, rather it is the perfect reason to push the boundaries. So don't be confined by social norms, these rules are meant for breaking. If Einstein had stayed in his box, we wouldn't have modern electricity. So think... what is just outside of those rules that you could create?

DON’T BE AFRAID TO HAVE FUN

Turn on the music. Break out the guitar. Get out of the office. Grab a drink.

We are big believers in the idea that good things happen when people feel free. Nothing is more freeing than an environment that cultivates creativity, collaboration, and genuine relationships. There is a time and a place for everything, and that includes fun in the workplace. So, when you’re feeling in a rut and you can’t get any quality work done, read that first line again and take the advice.

We believe our dedication to these values have been key factors in our past successes and will continue to play an important role in our future.

We hope these tips will serve as inspiration for you and inspire growth moving forward. Alongside this, it is also an opportunity for you to get to know us on a deeper level and understand the culture that we have created. We are thankful for the opportunity to know you, work with you, and grow with you in the coming years.

Here’s to growth!

8 Tips to Take Your Organization to the Next Level