Sharing Lessons Learned with Other Small Businesses
In October 2019, we undertook a huge project — rebranding our decade-old Knoxville business. But it wasn’t just about changing our name and logo. We also clarified and embraced our company culture, sharing with the world the values we’d always held dear.
But some people might ask why. We were — and still are — a successful Knoxville structural engineering firm with a great base of clients. Why rock the boat? Why change at all? And isn’t company culture something only corporate giants do?
We would say that company culture is even more important for small businesses like us, and that our clients look for values like honor and integrity as much as they look for structural engineering expertise.
Here are a few of the lessons we learned during our rebranding process. We hope they help other small businesses define a strong and prosperous company culture.
Be Authentic
One thing that might jump out at you about the Haines Structural Group company culture and core values is that we put our faith in God front and center. Each of our core values has a beloved Bible verse attached, including this one that says it all:
Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:15)
We believe that owning our faith in the business world is simply the right thing to do, but it also makes sound business sense. Authenticity builds trust. According to Forbes, 86% of people say authenticity matters in their purchasing decisions.
So, we made a commitment to let our light shine in our business and every aspect of our lives. If you’re trying to create a strong company culture, we would encourage you to do the same.
Find a Higher Purpose
Company culture isn’t just important for your clients. It’s also vital for your team. To build and retain a high-quality, engaged team doing their best work every day, you’ve got to give them a purpose above and beyond the daily grind.
That’s because people need jobs, but they crave fulfillment. Linking their daily tasks to a higher purpose makes the work more than just work. It makes the work a mission.
For our team at Haines Structural Group, that mission is building relationships as strong as the structures we design, to make our hometown Knoxville the best it can possibly be. No matter what field you’re in, find your mission, own it, and live it. Your team will be stronger for it.
At Haines Structural Group, we are proud of our company culture and core values, and we’re happy to bring them to every interaction and every project. If you would like to learn more about us and the services we provide, call us at (865) 329-9920 or contact Haines Structural Group online.