The culture of an organisation is very important for the long-term health of its operation. Culture really affects how people interact. For us at BNI New Zealand, this is true not only for the macro approach of an organisation but for the micro approach – the individual chapters in BNI as well as BNI as a worldwide organisation.
Culture is one of the most important building blocks of an organisation. It applies at all levels, from the top all the way down. There are a number of factors that go into building a healthy organisational culture. As an organisation grows this culture may change.
Here are 3 key steps to follow to avoid roadblocks that can hinder growth in your chapter.
- Add new roles: All chapters have Leadership Teams. As a chapter grows there is the option to add new roles. Large chapters need to get more team members involved to manage the running of the chapter. It may be a good idea to create new roles that fit your chapter’s needs. For example, some chapters overseas have what they refer to as “money spinner teams”, which make sure that all members get support to generate more business through activities like joint calls to clients, chasing large ticket referrals and seeing them through conversion.
Other examples of roles taken on by individuals in NZ include Hospice Liaisons or Mentors for new members. More responsibility usually leads to greater engagement from chapter members. If you have any special roles or initiatives in this space – let us know about them as we are always keen to hear about new initiatives.
- Keep the culture intact: Your chapter is only as good as its most sub-optimum member. As a chapter member each person plays a key role in making sure that all of the members follow the culture of the chapter. A positive culture makes it conducive to building better relationships between members, which will later grow into better business relationships and quality referrals being passed.
Try not to rush through the thank yous and positive feedback that members have received – it’s an important part of our meetings and elevates the energy of the chapter. Take the time to allow members to provide positive feedback in public – plan your meetings so that there is always time for this. If there is criticism to make, do this in a way that is constructive and positive in terms of the culture of your chapter. It may be best to do this in private with your Leadership Team.
- Keep on training: A chapter that attends trainings regularly will likely have fewer challenges in dealing with member issues. Regular training is provided by the BNI Support Team to help Leadership Teams focus on moving the chapter to the next level rather than fire-fighting basic issues. Training feeds peoples’ minds with knowledge on how to leverage their membership to generate maximum business for themselves and their referral partners. When members are trained, they are far better able to handle any issues that may come up.
Keep the culture intact, add new roles and focus on training to strengthen the culture in your chapter and avoid any roadblocks that could slow your growth for the rest of the year.
