3 keys to a killer company culture

It's no fun to work where you can't grow or effect change, reports Tech in Asia

People who love their work aren’t lucky — they’ve made good choices. Whether you need to change your mindset, your actions, or your employer, one thing’s for sure: there are steps you can take immediately to improve your daily experience or long-term career prospects.
 

Creating the right company culture is one important step. Here are three things I noticed about my company’s culture that I can’t live without.
 

1. Leadership that structurally values and challenges your input
 

It’s no fun to work where you can’t grow or effect change. If your manager tells you to “do this, do that, and don’t bother telling me what you think about it,” absolutely run the other way. At the same time, be wary of organizations that talk all rainbows and butterflies. Teammates who listen to you without challenging your ideas, deepening them, or adding new perspectives will encourage you but not help your personal development.
 

Find the in-between where your suggestions are welcomed, but sprinkled with deliberation. 
 

2. Colleagues who make you think, laugh, and see the world through different lenses
 

Before you join a company, meet the team. Aside from gauging their warmth and openness, ask people directly who they’re closest to and learn the most from. If they respect their leaders but think little of their peers, that’s a major red flag.
 

3. Bridges instead of walls
 

How does your company handle conflict, confusion, and culpability? These difficult, awkward moments – when clients complain, colleagues fight, investors are angry, or hiring goes awry – are when companies can flop or shine. There are certain mentalities that determine which fate yours will face.

This is an excerpt from Tech in Asia. You can read the full article here