For Subscribers

Leaders: Who's Shaping Your Company's Culture? If corporate culture starts at the bottom, you're in trouble.

By Gael O'Brien

This story appears in the June 2016 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

Martin Poole | Getty Images

I'm a woman in a male-dominated industry. When I was an employee, I could roll as one of the guys. Now I own a company, and an unpleasant bro culture has emerged here. I can't hang with the guys (I'm the boss, after all), but I also can't seem to influence their behavior. What do I do?

You've spent more time being "one of the guys" than being at the top, so here's a helpful reminder, in case you're feeling wistful: When you're one of the guys, you're fitting in -- which is the opposite of being a strong leader. As CEO, you can't have a sense of belonging. You need to flip that on its head and create a place others want to belong to. Every leader makes mistakes, and it seems you've made your first big one: You hired a team and then let them dictate the company culture. Now you need to fix that.

Can an entire company's culture be changed? Yes, but it has to be done fairly and transparently. If you haven't formalized a company code of conduct, get started immediately so that employees stop making up their own rules. Make it clear to employees what needs to change and why. Everyone will need to know what is expected going forward.

That may all sound overwhelming, so start small: Identify three or four core values that guide how you want employees to act toward one another, and how you want your company as a whole to behave. To make those values concrete, identify specific actions that employees can take to embody those values. For those who can't buy in, show them the door -- and use those openings to enhance diversity and talent. Once staffing issues are sorted out, continue to work with your team to build on values and evolve a culture of respect.

This will be lonely work, so it's time for you to tap into a support system of your own peers. Leave the staffers to go have drinks themselves. You're no longer one of the guys -- now you're one of the CEOs.

Gael O'Brien

The Ethics Coach

Gael O'Brien is publisher of The Week In Ethics and founder of coaching/consulting firm Strategic Opportunities Group. Do you have an ethical dilemma? Write to The Ethics Coach at ethics@entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Amazon Tells Thousands of Employees to Relocate or Resign

Amazon says the move to bring teams together will make them more "effective."

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'Largest Data Breach in History': Apple, Google, and Meta Passwords Reportedly Among 16 Billion Stolen in Massive Hack

"Massive datasets" have been emerging every few weeks, according to a new report.

Devices

This $180 Chromebook Offers Flexibility and Performance for On-the-Go Entrepreneurs

This Chromebook is designed for entrepreneurs who need power and portability, and now it's 45% off.

Business Solutions

Tackle Decision Fatigue With This CEO-Worthy AI Tool

Let AI help you make some decisions with SkillWee, an app designed with entrepreneurs in mind.

Marketing

How to Handle Negative Feedback and Turn Bad Reviews Into Great News For Your Business

Bad reviews can undermine your brand and hurt your revenue. Learn how to turn things around and transform harmful feedback into a bottom-line boost for your business.