We all toil each day in our given professions, to make a positive difference and to add value. As human beings, we have a strong need to belong. A company’s culture should be committed to nurturing and fostering a sense of belonging and a dynamic and positive company spirit.
The human spirit is something we all share; you cannot see human spirit on your organizational chart, but it’s there! Let us remind ourselves that the future is in the hands of our employees.
Let us harken back to our high school or college days. We all clearly remember getting caught up in team spirit. Having team spirit is a key part of who we are, being proud of an organization we are associated with cuts to the core of our industry.
Spirit gives us a keen sense of belonging. The essence of the human spirit is to love, learn, contribute, care and serve. Spirit can move mountains and unleash the entrapped creativity in your company.
The question to consider: Does your organization have spirit?
Given the fact that we all spend a large part of our lives at work, the need for a sense of purpose should be important to all of us. Spirit gives us meaning. It keeps us grounded. It begs the question: Is what I am doing making a difference? Am I adding value?
Spirit embodies trust, a true sense of caring, a common mission, a sense of community. Perhaps it sounds a bit lofty, but true spirit is to serve the greater good of the company and its customer focus. Spirit means we learn and grow together. The attitude of company spirit is not what’s in it for me, but rather, what’s in it for us?
Is team spirit, and humility valued in your organization? Spirit unites us, and inspires us. It is not just a soft concept; it is the mission, purpose and soul of the organization. With it, comes clarity of the company vision. Spirit and values go hand-in-hand. It is paramount to articulate and live your company’s value.
With spirit comes shared attitudes, and the drive to achieve common goals. The opportunities are limitless. An organization with spirit supports employees’ strengths. A true sense of company spirit results in increased employee motivation, increased productivity and yes, happier employees. Spirit enriches relationships and our lives. It reduces stress and gives us peace of mind, and creates an attitude of gratitude.
Even in today’s high-tech world, we all need each other’s spirit. It fosters employee and customer interaction. The road to improving company spirit starts with sharing the organization’s direction and long-term plan. Share your goals, opportunities and challenges and strive for employee buy-in. Mutual accountability strengthens spirit. Perhaps spirit may not appear to be a common business term. However, every organization has a spirit.
It can be exciting, positive, negative or inspiring. Articulating your company spirit is critical to grow and succeed.
Spirit is the heart of the company; it is your differential. It gives employees and customers a reason to stay. Company spirit increases pride, a sense of purpose, positive challenge, job security and a feeling of reciprocal relationships throughout the organization. Company spirit is the cornerstone of a company’s culture, and a bright light in today’s ever-changing and unpredictable business world.
