Leadership is a journey that requires time, dedication, and a commitment to building a strong foundation. While inspirational videos may paint a picture of overnight success, the truth is that true leadership is a result of learned behaviors and consistent effort. It is about creating a culture that fosters growth, innovation, and success.

One common thread among top global leaders is their focus on building a great organizational culture. These leaders understand the importance of creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered. Let’s take a look at three exemplary leaders who have successfully transformed their organizations through a strong commitment to culture:

1. Cheryl Bachelder – CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

When Cheryl Bachelder took over as CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in 2007, the company was facing multiple challenges. Sales and profits were declining, the stock price was plummeting, and internal relationships were strained. However, Cheryl saw an opportunity to turn things around by focusing on building a healthy organizational culture.

By investing in the internal environment and emphasizing respect and dignity for employees, Cheryl was able to transform the company’s performance. Sales and profits soared, market share increased, and the stock price rose significantly. This success was a direct result of Cheryl’s dedication to creating a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration.

2. Ari Weinzweig – Zingerman’s Community of Businesses

Ari Weinzweig, the founding partner of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, built a small sandwich shop into a multi-million dollar enterprise by focusing on diversity and managerial excellence. Zingerman’s success is rooted in a strong culture that values learning, growth, and teamwork.

Weinzweig’s emphasis on managerial behavior and core values has set Zingerman’s apart as a leader in the industry. By nurturing a culture of respect, empowerment, and continuous improvement, Weinzweig has created a thriving business that continues to grow and succeed.

3. Kristen Hadeed – Founder of Student Maid

Kristen Hadeed’s cleaning company, Student Maid, has achieved remarkable success by focusing on building a culture of values and leadership. By training employees in both cleaning skills and relationship management, Hadeed has created a loyal and motivated team that goes above and beyond for their customers.

Student Maid’s success is a testament to Hadeed’s belief in the potential of millennial employees and her commitment to creating a positive work environment. By instilling a culture of respect, empathy, and growth, Hadeed has shown that strong leadership and a focus on culture can lead to long-term success.

Building the Right Culture: Key Actions

• Inspire impactful actions within your team.
• Empower team members and provide clear directions.
• Display integrity, honesty, and transparency.
• Promote and reinforce core values in the organization.
• Be dependable, brave, and motivating.
• Set clear goals and pursue them relentlessly.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the business.
• Integrate company values into your vision and strategy.

Actions to Avoid that Can Hamper Your Culture

Distrust and hoard work:

Micromanaging and withholding trust can hinder team performance.

Withhold information:

Effective communication is key to a strong culture.

Express doubts:

Confidence is contagious – lead with certainty and positivity.

Uniform assignments:

Understand individual motivations and tailor leadership approaches accordingly.

Talk too much about values:

Lead by example and demonstrate values through actions.

The Impact of Exceptional Leadership

Building a strong organizational culture is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. The efforts you put into fostering a positive work environment will have a lasting impact on your team and your organization’s success. By prioritizing culture and values, you can create a workplace where employees thrive, innovate, and achieve remarkable results.