Climate in business and clubs

Tomorrow I shall be running a workshop around "What makes a good club climate?" for the Toastmasters Area event, and while planning I have noticed so many similarities between that topic and business so here are a few of the parallels:

1. The physical environment
It is important to set the right tone. Think: clean, tidy, welcoming.

Within Toastmasters one person has the role to ensure the meeting area/room is prepared on time, often with support from other club members. How could you do the same within your work environment? I find tidying my desk at the end of the evening leaving a plan (really just a quick outline!) for the next day helps me walk into the room the next morning and start working straight away. Are you going to take responsibility for this, or is it better to delegate? Decide, then act.

2. The first point of contact
Who is the first point of contact?

At Huntingdonshire Speakers we have another person who takes the role of "greeter" to ensure all members and guests receive a warm welcome. Who meets and greets your staff, visitors and clients in your business? Are they welcoming? A smile and "hello" isn't too much to ask for, but I've been places where that doesn't happen... and sometimes it's the boss who doesn't say "good morning"!
Pass on a smile

3. The people
This is where everyone plays a part in creating the climate.

Again, at Huntingdonshire Speakers we are reminded at the start of the meeting of our roles and responsibilities, not just through the agenda, but also verbally around the room and the club mission statement is always read out. Now that might sound a little "groupie" to you in business, but if your staff don't reflect the business values, and value each other as people what climate is being created...? How can you remind them? Better still, how can everyone remind each other?
Be congruent.

There a load more, so I'll follow up with more tips after the workshop tomorrow.

Go create a positive climate :)