The SCORE 2016 Issue 1 | Page 19

learn to manage your expectations.’ Influential people have an obligation to inspire and motivate, not crush and diminish. The environment was one of slogging status quos. Life, and by extension, work, should never become a series of tasks to be completed just so we can move onto the next task. That’s drudgery, which usually yields nothing of real worth.” Theiss is of the mindset that company culture is about much more than benefits and perks. “Yes, people like perks. Who doesn’t? They don’t have to be huge or expensive. What they have to do is make good people feel appreciated and that they belong to something special. And that concept isn’t modern, it is timeless,” he concluded. Tra-C Garcia, vice president of training for JK&T Wings, believes a positive company culture can be accomplished simply by creating an environment where people are appreciated and acknowledged for the contributions they make. This includes showing staff the value they bring to the business, and, often, the incredible impact they have had on the lives of others. “It is so important to celebrate every win and ensure team members feel great about what they do every day. We seek every opportunity to do this,” she said. “We encourage the sharing of ideas and solutions to challenges our company faces. We seek to empower people by encouraging them to use their voice and make decisions. We grow together as a result.” Another Buffalo Wild Wings franchise company that firmly believes in the power and practice of positive culture is World Wide Wings. The company established four pillars of success to guide its human resource operations: select the right people, set expectations, train and motivate. When combined, company culture is the common denominator throughout these four pillars, making it an integral part of the company’s structure. World Wide Wings made sure to define its company culture from the very start: when it opened its first restaurant 10 years ago in Hillsboro, Oregon. World Wide Wings franchisee Joe Janaszek suggests promoting employees internally before hiring externally as much as possible to ensure company culture is maintained organically. “Currently, 22 of our 29 general managers started with us and were promoted into their positions. We measure results and celebrate wins when expectations are achieved because it provides forward momentum,” he continued. “Our culture is similar to a winning sports team where everyone, every day, is focused on winning, proud to be on the team and work together to be the best. Our character flows through our organization because we treat everyone right, we have respect for everyone and we care. When you live your values, it manifests because people trust you.” In sum, company culture is a cornerstone in developing and keeping the staff and spirit that best complement your business. By using techniques as simple as celebrating and acknowledging staff accomplishments or committing to promoting your staff through the ranks before seeking external hires, positive company culture can be obtained without expensive gimmicks. Lead the way with positive and clear communication while rewarding excellent work, and your staff will follow. S KRISTEN PEREZ is the FBS communications coordinator. She can be reached at [email protected] or 678-797-5161. Pay cards make payday simple! PaychekPLUS! Elite® Visa® Payroll Cards make payday quick and easy for Buffalo Wild Wings. As a trusted pay card program provider, FSV Payment Systems’ proven electronic adoption strategy helps reduce risks, costs and hassles associated with paper checks. Pay cards offer numerous benefits and features:  Text and Email Alerts  Cash Back Rewards  Mobile App  Savings Account 17 SCORE | 2016 Issue 1 fsvps.com | 800.881.1945 THE Proud Partner of