Finding the right people is critical to a business or organization's success. In the past a lot of time and money were spent on aligning the corporate mission. This led to off-site strategic planning sessions, the development of corporate mission statements, implementation of policies and procedures to help organizations learn and grow . . . the result?  Far too often it was an organization that had a mission statement but no real mission. 

This problem has led to an awareness that corporate culture and hiring to fit that culture is far more effective.  But what exactly is corporate culture?  Once again, companies fall into a similar trap to those who followed the mission statement path.  They tell you what they want their culture to be ("we are a family") but the behaviors of the work team tell a different story. HSC's founder for example grew up in a family that worked for a small college, we'll call it "Village College."  The college promoted the "Village College experience" which implied a very close, exciting, growing environment . . . it was, and still can be, a compelling reason to spend your college years on this campus.  But over time the behaviors and decisions of college led many students to believe that the real culture was to "get any students to attend in anyway to stay afloat financially."

Can your employees describe what your culture is all about?  Does it align with the vision that you have for the organization.  Are you hiring for the right fit instead of the most skilled or best pedigree? Do you ask people who interview to describe the culture that best fits them and compare that you the culture you have or want to create?

Strong corporate cultures have three things in common; shared values, a common vision, and aligned behaviors. If you don't have this then attempts to "create a culture" by having nerf gun fights, adopting a trash pick up on a local highway, supporting a non-profit or other activities will have little if any impact.  In fact, it may become a negative.

HSC uses rigorous interviews, focus groups, and research tools to evaluate and describe your current culture.  It assists you in identifying challenges to an effective culture and develops plans to improve and engage employees in that culture.  From corporate policies and procedures to management practices, interviewing and hiring to company structuring HSC has the experience and tools to maximize your most important resource--the people in your organization.