All of us have a business culture, whether it’s recognized or not.  Culture is how we do things. It’s how we treat each other. It’s what we value. It’s what we think of as normal codes of behavior.

Culture governs behavior. Neglected culture smothers possibility. Done right, culture enlivens innovation. Attitudes and behaviors change over time. Culture continually defines what we pay attention to as a group – and what we ignore. A focus only on task metrics has caused many of us to ignore its importance as a resource for profitability.

Make no mistake – Culture Matters!

Since the Industrial Revolution, a culture of fear has predominated manufacturing. Untapped creative potential was left to wither.

People usually behave as they’re treated. A culture of fear requires constant surveillance. Supervisors manage. Those who have power “empower” the powerless. This is not a culture to foster capability, respect, and dignity. The assumption is people will not work unless made to, and then they’ll do as little as possible. Sweatshops aren’t known for their innovation. A culture of fear hides information. It motivates by using sticks and carrots.

We found another way…

 

Heart Culture

Heart Culture builds upon the beliefs that people can be trusted and they want to be involved. It is an evolutionary advance in collective productivity. It is the lifeblood of a people-oriented learning business. It requires leaders to trust in the capability of their people to produce great work that it meaningful to them.

Heart Culture + Process-Centered Organization = Manufacturing with Heart®

At Abrasive Technology, we succeed in building an environment where everyone likes to come to work. We uncovered some pleasant surprises along the way.

We found that given more autonomy, people are far more productive. For example, instead of setting production quotas, we just asked people to make as much as they could. Productivity skyrocketed. Why? It was heart culture.

Most people want to use their best selves at work, but that can only happen if culture supports and encourages some level of autonomy. Your company’s culture is in your and your employees’ hands.

If you need guidance and support along the way, then contact us.