Marino Sussich’s Leadership Techniques – Creating a Positive Company Culture

All successful businesses share one common trait—they all have a positive company culture. However, workplace culture can’t be learned from a book or seminar. A positive company culture results in a happier and more engaged team and can also drive productivity, retention, and overall performance. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, cultivating a positive workplace environment should be a top priority.

For the last few decades, Marino Sussich has been working closely with leading businesses throughout Australia on leadership skills and highlighting individual strengths. Follow his step-by-step guide below to create and nurture a culture that promotes positivity, collaboration, and growth.

1. Discover your core values

Your core values are the basis of developing a solid company culture. They should reflect the beliefs and behaviours you want to encourage within your organisation. An excellent way to decide your core values is via customer surveys, exit interviews and even Google Reviews. Core values like integrity, innovation, teamwork, and inclusivity are a good start. Once you have defined your values, you must communicate them to your team, as they will be the foundation for how people interact, make decisions, and contribute to the company’s mission.

2. Establish work-life balance guidelines

Ensuring your team has a healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining a positive culture. Marino Sussich has noticed that companies with flexible work schedules, remote work options, and time off are more likely to have more productive and happier employees. When your company is known for respecting employees’ personal time and well-being, you demonstrate that their mental and physical health is a priority. This, in turn, creates a loyal and motivated workforce while being a drawcard for potential hires.

3. Encouraging open communication

Transparency and open communication are essential for companies that want to develop a positive culture. Your team should feel comfortable sharing their concerns, ideas, and feedback without fear of retaliation.
Marino Sussich suggests an open-door policy and regular “all hands” meetings to encourage staff to speak up. During these meetings, all leaders should actively listen and act on suggestions.

4. Recognise and reward employees

A positive work environment also needs formal and informal recognition and rewards for employees who work hard and contribute to the company’s success. Celebrating small or big achievements with a recognition program motivates employees and reinforces a culture of appreciation and respect. Marino Sussich suggests recognition can come in many forms—public praise, bonuses, awards, or even some extra time off.

5. Invest in professional development

When your company promotes learning and development, it fosters a positive work culture. Opportunities for professional development, such as training programs, mentorship, and career advancement, show your team that the company is invested in their future. When your employees feel valued, they will be motivated and remain engaged.

6. Prioritise Team Building

Team-building activities are a great way to help break down silos, encourage cooperation, and create a sense of unity. Regular team-building efforts can enhance communication, reduce conflict, and build a more cohesive workplace, whether through workshops, social events, or team challenges.

7. Create a safe and inclusive environment

Your employees need to feel safe, included, and valued. Fostering diversity and inclusion is key to creating a workplace where people from different backgrounds and perspectives can thrive, which leads to a positive company culture. Marino Sussich can help you implement policies that promote inclusivity, prevent discrimination, and provide equal opportunities for everyone.

8. Lead by example

A positive work culture must come from the top. Your company’s leaders must model the core values and behaviours they expect from their team members.

Marino Sussich: Leadership Techniques Consultant

Marino Sussich is an experienced, innovative leadership consultant based in Melbourne. Drawing upon his strategic management skills and renowned thought leadership, he focuses on different leadership styles and fosters individual strengths. You can book an initial conversation with Marino Robert Sussich here.