How to Manage a Company’s Image
July 13, 2016
By Brian Maynor
I write a lot about image from a personal standpoint, but lately I have had some questions about larger image issues, particularly from companies trying to re-brand or simply create a cohesive ‘look’.
While the image of the employees is integral to this process, there are a few other steps that are actually more valuable to the company because it’s all about maintaining the image after you create it. I’ve touched on the importance of establishing a company culture before, but here are the main factors that go into creating it:
1. Outcomes. Sometimes when you tackle a problem it’s easier to start at the end and look at what you ultimately want to create, or in some cases, don’t want to create. Having a clear vision of the end result will not only provide clarity and more targeted actions, it will also provide motivation when there are setbacks or lulls in progress.
2. Behaviors. It’s easier to grasp the concept of behavior when you view them as the extremely visible actions of employees that reflect the company culture. In other words, what are people doing or not doing during. When it comes to behaviors it is easy to focus on individuals, but there are also group or team actions, which are equally important. How people work together is just as much a part of the company culture as their individual performance.
3. Attitude. Less of a tangible factor; how employees feel about their jobs is very evident in their behavior and directly impact their image, as well as the image of the company. The occasional bad day notwithstanding, uncovering the root cause of a bad attitude will help focus attention to areas of company life that may often be overlooked or glossed over as inconsequential from a management standpoint, when from an employee standpoint it couldn’t be more paramount.
4. Appearance. A large part of developing a company culture is what it will visibly look like. Historically this has been addressed with a written dress code buried in an employee handbook if you’re lucky, but all too often it is an unwritten expectation that is never clearly explained, enforced or utilized. The best way to incorporate a dress code is to make it a living, breathing, part of daily office life.
5. Enablers/Blockers. These are all about influencing the desired outcomes either through positive or negative reinforcement. It is through this system that you drive and maintain the culture you want to create. Laying it out is a huge endeavor, but it will be wasted if there are no protocols in place that make it actionable.
When you start to dig into the idea behind the development of a company culture, the basic root element in engagement. A company’s culture is what speaks to employee values, beliefs and behaviors and acts to motivate their involvement and ultimate dedication to the company’s success as a unit.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
