The culture of a business develops and changes over time. It’s shaped internally by the people within the business and impacts externally on clients and/or customers.

Employees and clients can develop a set of expectations about the culture of a business and behave accordingly. A ‘high performance culture’ only exists when everyone trusts and values what the business stands for, how it operates and what it delivers.

Here we take a look at what likely outcomes and benefits there could be for developing a high performance culture inside your business and what evidence there is to show a high performance culture may already exist.

• There is mutual respect, trust and confidence and no distrust or fear

• A “can-do” spirit is encouraged and exists, replacing any “it cannot be done” attitude

• Individuals are encouraged and are comfortable to take personal responsibility for their actions and there is no place for a culture of blame and making excuses

• Everyone seeks to encourage and embrace new ideas and plans, without being prejudiced or judgemental

• There is open, honest and flowing communication of all types with no hidden agendas, dishonesty, or a lack of openness

• All employees are empowered and encouraged to communicate across sectors, levels and parochial boundaries. Hierarchical organizational structures are minimalized

• Quality, service and excellence are valued and quick-fixes and bottom-line working are not

• The business is client/customer orientated and externally focused ahead of being internally focused on tasks and functions

• Innovation, ingenuity and breakthroughs are more appreciated and evident than holding on to the past, resistance to change and apathy

• The business exhibits flexibility and responsiveness rather than adherence to rigid rules and policies

• The business is a learning organisation where learning from experience drives improvement and development

• The organisation seeks ‘win-win’ outcomes and impact

These 12 broad evidence statements are drawn from a number of real experiences within the business world, where much has been written about the importance, for success, of creating a High Performance Culture.

The one constant feature is a recognition that people matter and that it is their abilities, behaviours and feelings that underpin a dynamic and successful business culture.