Culture Over Coffee

In this episode, we explore the reasons why establishing a culture committee is a great way to ensure your company culture flourishes. We also dig into how to build an effective culture committee from the ground up. And here to help us understand that and more is Russell Minnick, COO at 81Eighty. Russell brings so many valuable thoughts to the table, like: - Why it's important to remember that people work for people - How a solid culture committee can create the effect of wanting to be together versus merely having to be together - And, finally, how new hires can provide the freshest of perspectives for your company’s culture Grade Your Company Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/grade-your-company-culture-quiz Russell Minnick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-minnick-962556b4/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/

In this episode, we’re exploring how companies can go about bridging two different cultures following a merger or acquisition. And helping us break down how to do just that is Miracle Semien, CRO at Veaux Professional Services. Miracle brings so many great insights to light, like: - How an aligned culture, or lack thereof, creates a ripple effect throughout the company that is inevitably felt by your customers - Why the first 90 days are the most crucial time when bridging cultures between two organizations after a merger - And, lastly, why leaders need to clearly and consistently articulate the behaviors that they want to see exhibited by their people Grade Your Company Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/grade-your-company-culture-quiz Miracle Semien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miraclesemien/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/

In this quick, Culture Snapshot episode, we’re taking a few minutes to dispel the all-too-common myth that company culture is merely about the satisfaction and happiness of your employees. Now, that’s not to say that those qualities aren’t sure-fire byproducts of a solid company culture. Far from it. In fact, by the end of this episode, you’ll see that by shifting the aim of your company culture efforts, you’ll not only see happy employees, but employees who are engaged like never before.

Today, in this Culture Snapshot episode, we’re bringing our coverage of ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report to a close by spending a few minutes to consider what this year’s findings tell us about the immediate future of company culture and employee engagement. By the end, I think you’ll see that when your employees engaged they will remain steadfast to your organization, maximize their talents, and reach their full potential. LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re consulting ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report once again as we ponder the question: “Why are so many managers lacking follow-through?” It’s here that we’ll cover how managers and company leaders can do a better job, every day, of living up to their word. And joining Beth to provide some great thoughts on this issue is Matt Sunshine, CEO at The Center for Sales Strategy. Matt provides some truly great points to consider, like: - How it’s only a matter of time before people consider opportunities elsewhere if they can’t truly count on their leaders - Why increased transparency with your employees only deepens trust (Hint, hint: employees almost always want to hear the bad news first) - And, finally, how holding regular townhall meetings can be one of the most powerful ways to ensure that your employees feel valued and included in the future success of your company. LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Matt Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsunshine/ The Center for Sales Strategy: https://www.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/

In this episode, we’re continuing our focus on ENGAGE 2024, our latest company culture and employee engagement report, by asking: “Why aren’t employees receiving more meaningful feedback?” It’s here that we’ll discuss how essential it is for every organization to provide the development opportunities that their employees clearly crave. Discussing the latest findings on People Development with me is the wonderful Kelly George, Talent Analyst/Engagement Specialist here at Up Your Culture. Kelly offers such great points to think about, like: - How developing your people not only results in a team that’s invested and competitive, but also leads to your workplace being an employer of choice - Why it’s just as important to provide continuous feedback and development for company veterans as it is for fresher faces. - And, finally, why it’s critical to not only celebrate and recognize top performance, but also the successes and improvements of the entire team LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Kelly George: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjgeorge/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re once again reflecting on the results from ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report. This time we’re wondering: “Why don’t employees have enough information to perform in their roles?” It’s here that we’ll be discussing clear issues surrounding transparency and psychological safety in the workplace. Helping Beth explore why employees aren’t receiving enough valuable information is Mindy Murphy, Employee Engagement Specialist/Culture Coach here at Up Your Culture. Mindy shares so many great insights, like: - Why a lack of transparency in organizations can lead to increased distress and low morale amongst your people. - How employees working in an environment where they feel uncomfortable sharing their concerns can lead to disastrous results. - And, lastly, why forging trust with your people early on in their roles is key to ensuring they have the information they need to exceed at your company. LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Mindy Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-murphy-981a1278/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we continue the exploration of our latest company culture and employee engagement report, ENGAGE 2024, by asking the question: “Why aren’t more employees inspired by their company’s long-term vision?” It’s here that we’ll cover the vital importance of clearly establishing and communicating your company’s Shared Mission to each and every employee. Joining me to discuss and contextualize it all is the great Deborah Fulghum, Employee Engagement Specialist/Culture Coach here at Up Your Culture. Deborah brings so many awesome insights to the table, like: - How, too often, employees aren’t aware of the goals they are working so hard to achieve - Why you simply have to talk about your Shared Mission and Core Values with your people all the time - And, lastly, why establishing and emphasizing the rules of the game at your organization can mean the difference between engagement and disengagement for your people. LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Deborah Fulghum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahfulghum/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re continuing our season-long, deep dive into ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report by asking: “Why are more employees returning to the office?” As you can probably guess, it’s here that we’ll tackle the ever-shifting attitudes around “where we work.” Helping me explore these new findings on work preferences is Stephanie Downs, SVP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy. Stephanie makes so many amazing points, like: - How managers often point to a seeming lack of accountability as one of the main reasons for pulling their people back into the office. - Why it’s impossible to please everyone when it comes to the “right” work model, but, still, everyone’s perspectives should be considered. - And, finally, how there are a plethora of ways to make your virtual meetings as invigorating and energizing as those in-person. LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Stephanie Downs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniewdowns/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re continuing our exploration of ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report by asking the question: “Why are employees less engaged than they were a year ago?” It’s here that we’ll break down exactly how you can go about stoking the flames of your company campfire to ensure that it’s burning brighter than ever. And helping this episode shine brighter is Kate Rehling, Talent Analyst/Engagement Specialist here at Up Your Culture. Kate brings some great insights to light, like: - How disengaged employees can create a higher risk of burnout for their surrounding employees. - Why the seeds of many engagement issues are planted during a less-than-ideal onboarding experience - And, lastly, why conducting an annual culture and engagement survey is crucial to uncovering the actionable insights you need to ensure your company campfire is roaring. LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Kate Rehling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-rehling/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/

In this quick, Culture Snapshot episode, we’re kicking off our season-long deep dive into ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report by pointing out some of this year’s need-to-know findings. That is to say, on the other side of this episode, you’ll have a bird’s-eye-view of the many ways in which people are currently feeling about the experience of working at their organization. LINKS: ENGAGE 2024: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we're breaking down why transparency and authenticity are two qualities all leaders should actively demonstrate in their day-to-day duties. And joining Beth to help explore the many facets of being a transparent leader is my favorite business leader, Matt Sunshine, CEO of the Center for Sales Strategy. Matt offers a lot of food for thought about: - How transparency not only fosters trust within an organization, but also allows everyone to feel that much more comfortable sharing their ideas. - Why, if you're only sharing the good news, that's not transparency, that's just PR. - And, finally, how your employees should know less information than what you would tell your closest confidant, but more than what you would tell the general public. Links: Grade Your Company Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/grade-your-company-culture-quiz Matt Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsunshine/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re discussing how having and communicating a shared vision can be instrumental to driving engagement throughout your organization. And the awesome Kristin Cantrell, Owner/Operator at Seven Mountains Media, is here to break down how she fosters a shared vision with her teams. Kristin has such great insights to offer, like: - How involving your people in the development of your organization’s vision can better ensure their buy-in - Why, while communicating your company’s vision is key, demonstrating it is even more crucial - And, finally, why it always pays for leaders to put their boots on and pitch in, no matter the role. Links: Grade Your Company Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/grade-your-company-culture-quiz Kristin Cantrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-cantrell-27752412/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re talking about how important it is for leaders to get the communication piece right when it comes to fostering a solid culture of engagement. And joining Beth is one of the best communicators we know, Liz Dickson, Managing Director at Press Ganey. Liz has so many amazing thoughts to offer, like: - Why it’s important for companies to create psychologically safe environments so employees feel comfortable speaking their mind - How just as patients in a hospital experience better outcomes when given clear communication, the same can be said for employees and their level of engagement - And, finally, why ensuring your visibility and approachability as a leader goes a long way toward breeding trust amongst your people. Links: [Blog] How to Become a More Impactful Listener: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/blog/how-to-become-a-more-impactful-listener Liz Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizdickson/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re exploring how company leaders can go about building a people-first culture. And joining Beth to break it all down is someone who truly does put people-first: Amy Bloxom, Regional Vice President at Townsquare Media. Amy makes a ton of great points, such as: - Why it’s not only important for employees to understand the vision of the company, but also, equally, that their opinions matter - How assuming positive intent can go a long way toward establishing trust, even when conflicts arise - And, finally, why understanding each of your team members at an individual level is invaluable when building a culture that is truly people-first. Links: A Company Leader's Checklist for Company Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/blog/a-company-leaders-checklist-for-company-culture Amy Bloxom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bloxom-4914947b/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re continuing our focus on company leaders by taking a look at how to go about maintaining employee engagement when leading through times of adversity. And we can’t think of a better leader to turn to for a topic like this than Lisa Kogan-Praska, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Bay and Lakes Region. Lisa has such amazing insights, like: - How, without transparency, it’s hard to have an intentional culture - Why, too often, leaders think they need to have all the answers, when, really, their job is to show the path forward - And, finally, why, for leaders, being present WHEN you’re present can make a huge difference in the engagement of your teams Links: ENGAGE 2023: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Lisa Kogan-Praska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kogan-praska/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode we’re kicking off our season-long focus on the role that company leaders play in nurturing a solid culture of engagement. Throughout our fourth season, you’ll hear from leaders in various industries who truly embody the fact that a great company culture starts at the top. Today, Beth joined by the amazing Jason Randall, CEO at Questco, who is here to help break down how to shape the future of your company culture through developing tomorrow’s leaders. Jason brings so many amazing points to the table, like: - Why, no matter how positive of a message your company transmits, if your culture isn’t authentic, you won’t be fooling anyone. - How everyone has a role to play in nurturing a company’s culture, but it’s up to leaders to continuously shine a light on what that culture should look like. - And, finally, why new leaders in the company should be trusted and empowered to make their own decisions. Links: Grade Your Company Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/grade-your-company-culture-quiz Jason Randall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-randall-b907652/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re wrapping up our exploration of ENGAGE 2023: The Company Culture Report by focusing on our findings that relate to Earned Trust. It’s in this section of the report that we asked questions connected to feelings of Autonomy, Integrity and Accountability. Returning to the show to help break it all down is Deborah Fulghum, Engagement Specialist here at Up Your Culture, and Matt Sunshine, CEO at The Center for Sales Strategy As always, both Deborah and Matt share so many great insights, like: - Why trust is a key ingredient to a company’s growth and expansion - How company leaders need to foster trust with tenured employees just as fervently as they do with newer hires - And, lastly, how true transparency (sharing the good news and the bad news) makes your employees feel that much more like members of a team. Links: ENGAGE 2023: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Deborah Fulghum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahfulghum/ Matt Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsunshine/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we’re continuing our focus on ENGAGE 2023, our latest company culture and employee engagement report, by exploring the data related to Valued Voice. In this section of the report, we asked questions around the quality of Communication and Collaboration that employees are currently experiencing. Discussing these latest findings with me is the wonderful Emily Estey, VP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy Emily offers such great points to think about, like: - How normalizing communication makes employees feel that much more comfortable sharing their opinions - Why there is a difference between having a voice and having a vote - And, finally, why understanding how your behavior affects the roles of others just might make a world of difference when it comes to the quality of interdepartmental communication. Links: ENGAGE 2023: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Emily Estey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-estey-b325228/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/

In this episode, we continue the exploration of our latest company culture and employee engagement report, ENGAGE 2023, by taking a look at the findings as they relate to People Development. In this section of the report, we asked questions related to Employee Growth, Recognition and Feedback. Joining me to discuss and contextualize it all is the great Stephanie Downs, SVP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy. Stephanie brings so many awesome insights to the table, like: - How not focusing on developing your people increases the risk of losing top talent - Why Feedback and Recognition are not the same thing, but should both be occurring on a regular basis - And, lastly, how developing your people begins with understanding their natural talents and what truly motivates them. Links: ENGAGE 2023: The Company Culture Report: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/company-culture-report Stephanie Downs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniewdowns/ Beth Sunshine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsunshine/ Up Your Culture: https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/