We live in an age of superheroes, and I don’t just mean the comic book kind. Everyday people around the world are pushing boundaries in all industries and disciplines, changing the way we see the world and creating a better future for our planet – without a cloak or hammer.
This spirit of innovation, strength and inspiration is what every company should strive towards, and with the right steps, a superhero company culture can be cultivated to produce some superhuman results. Here’s how…
First, define your company’s culture
Start by identifying your company’s core values and outlining what kind of people you want in your team. In this case, the HR department needs to sit down with management and set clear parameters around the skills, attitudes and attributes their ideal team members bring to the table… You can’t find your next superhero employee if you don’t know what you’re looking for!
There are different types of company cultures, and based on the type of work and industry you operate in, there will be an organisational culture most suited for your company.
For a young startup, a “no-boss” structure might be the best thing, so everyone in the team has equal input, with different superpowers all striving to develop the business.
As the company develops it usually switches to team-oriented culture; one that recognises a team leader as the person responsible for mentoring, facilitating communication and ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of their team. Remember, the team leader is in no way considered a “boss”.
Of course, still very much present in the traditional company culture, is the one in which there is a clear hierarchy and a set of rules for keeping the organisation together.
Start Cultivating Your Team of Superheroes
Now that you’ve settled on a company culture most suited to your business, it’s time to start developing it. Create a company manifesto – and no, it’s not the same one offered to your customers – this is an internal document that shows employees what’s expected and how the company views its internal workings.
Now, in order to create a true superhero culture, it’s of utmost importance to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of each employee and merge individuals into teams, or allow them to work independently – whichever option is most beneficial for both the company and the individual.
This is not an easy task, so get ready to make mistakes…
Putting Captain America (someone who is governed by rules and regulations) together with someone like Iron Man (someone who loves breaking them, but finds innovative solutions in the process) might seem like a recipe for a superhero showdown, but the two can actually help each other find a balance that can lead to increased productivity.
It’s important that your employees know their designated roles, which can be reinforced with novel reminders to help boost their confidence. Decide on superhero nicknames with their ‘superpowers’ in mind, and get each employee a corresponding pop vinyl from Davey Boys Toys in Australia.
These miniature bobble heads act as an ever-present tabletop reminder of their individual role and responsibilities, and how important their talents are to the wider team.
Maintain Superhuman Workplace Health
While superheroes might be invincible, mere mortals can be seriously affected by flu season – and unfortunately that includes your team.
In 2017, Australia recorded one of the worst flu seasons ever, with 2 1/2 times more cases than 2016. The flu can negatively effect an entire workplace due to employees on sick leave, with the cost of absenteeism in Australia estimated at $7 billion each year.
Help your team of superheroes perform at their best and remind them they’re working for an employer of choice by organising a bi-annual CleanCare Service of their workstations.
This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination during flu season, so they can power through winter unaffected by the mere mortal side-effects of workplace illness.
Develop Your Own Superhero Culture
So there you are, creating a superhero company culture is easier than you think. All you need to do is make time to access each employee separately and find the right fit for them within your company.
Each new arrival enhances the overall power of your team, bringing their own unique set of skills and strengths… and so your team of superheroes grows.
Most bosses think they want a team of Supermen, but in reality, something like the Avengers works a lot better… different people with complementary skill sets working together for the benefit of the company and its customers.
Need to brush up on your superheroes? Here’s a list of history’s most notable superheroes to get you started.
Author bio: Claire Adams is a personal and professional development expert who believes that positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her writing and tips about lifestyle and development on highstylife.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
