Culture vs. Camaraderie
Do you really have a strong company culture?
Or is what you define as “culture” actually something different?
Let’s do a quick test:
💭 Imagine this:
You’re interviewing a potential new team member. When they ask you about the company culture, do you talk about:
Option 1:
☑ Friday drinks
☑ The “vibes”
☑ How “We’re a family”
Or, do you talk about:
Option 2:
☑ Your company vision
☑ Your values and behaviours
☑ How you collaborate, communicate, make decisions, and give feedback
OK, which option were you leaning towards? If you were nodding along to option 1, you are not actually talking about your culture. You’re talking about camaraderie.
Camaraderie ≠ Culture
Camaraderie: A feeling of friendliness towards people that you work or share an experience with.
Don’t get us wrong, camaraderie is lovely, but it isn’t your culture. It’s not how you get stuff done, how you show up every day, or how you deliver on your vision.
Option 2 is your Culture
Culture: The way a group does things through consistent, observable patterns of behaviour.
Culture is your company Operating System. It’s the rituals, frameworks, processes, and practices that guide how a company operates on a day-to-day basis. It serves as the foundation for aligning the efforts of employees, motivating individuals, driving performance, and achieving the company’s goals.
The importance of a strong company Operating System
When you have a clearly defined company Operating System (cOS), Friday drinks and vibes become an added bonus that can give us all those nice, fuzzy feelings (but please, no more “We’re a family,” I beg you 🙏).
A strong cOS includes:
Defined vision: Clear company goals that everyone understands and works towards.
Values and behaviours: Observable actions that reflect the company's core beliefs.
Organisational structure: A defined, communicated framework that demonstrates how your team is set up, who is responsible for what and how they’re measured.
Collaboration and communication: Effective methods for working together and sharing information.
Decision-making processes: Structured ways to make and implement decisions.
Feedback mechanisms: Regular opportunities for constructive feedback and continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Camaraderie can enhance your work environment, but it’s your culture that drives your company forward. By focusing on your company Operating System, you ensure that your team is aligned, motivated, and equipped to achieve your vision.
Ready to strengthen your company culture? Start by defining and refining your cOS. Let's create a workplace where camaraderie is the cherry on top of a robust, well-structured culture. Reach out to us here.
