The challenge with infusing 'family' into business culture is finding the balance between nurturing relationships and still maintaining professionalism. It’s about finding the balance between conceptualizing work as a family and creating a professionally run family business. Mike was able to infuse the values of family and hard work into the company's core, creating a distinctly strong team and work culture that linked employees across all levels.
The shift that Mike's business experienced as it grew and evolved in size required intentional actions to ensure that trust was maintained in the culture of the company. For Mike, the focus was not only on doing things right but also on empowering every team member and letting them know that they have the answer to many of the challenges that arise.
Trust and effective communication are critical components of a healthy company culture. Mike implemented methodologies such as the Macklin Method and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to foster trust and enable open dialogue within his teams. These practices provided employees with a platform to express their ideas and concerns, creating a sense of belonging and empowerment.
While hard work is essential for success, it is equally vital to ensure job satisfaction. Mike acknowledges that a culture solely focused on hard work may lead to burnout and a lack of fulfillment. He recognizes the importance of creating a work environment where employees feel satisfied, valued, and recognized for their contributions. Job satisfaction can be achieved by providing avenues for growth, professional development, and a supportive work-life balance.
Mike emphasizes his focus on leadership and steering the brand to higher heights. He also regards the role of technology, especially during the pandemic when many businesses had to shift their operations online.
He envisions a future where every role within the company is held by individuals who are either highly accomplished or open to continuous learning. He believes this will build a culture where teamwork overrides individualistic tendencies and employees work together towards a common goal.
Ultimately, Mike's journey and experiences provide aspiring business leaders and veterans alike, a reflective view on how culture influences the performance of an organization. The most remarkable lessons potentially reside in his ability to adapt, evolve, and incorporate a balance of hard work, family, and professionalism into his business culture, creating an environment where employees are empowered and feel like they belong.
Every organization and business can take a page from Mike Ungaro’s book. There are always opportunities to build a stronger, more inclusive, and satisfying work culture, drive growth, and create more significant opportunities for everyone involved.
To learn more about the Imaginal Community: https://imaginalcommunity.mn.co/
To learn more about creating a better corporate culture in the workplace, head over to www.macklinconnection.com