How to Build a Thriving Company Culture Rooted in Purpose and Principles

Culture is the key to a flourishing enterprise. This is why we refer to our Human Resources Department as the Culture Department—because culture is not just about managing people, but about cultivating an environment where they thrive.

A faith-driven culture enables businesses to make a difference, fulfilling the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. As the saying goes:

Culture eats strategy for breakfast.

Culture defines who we are and how we operate. A strong culture:

• Attracts and builds a team aligned with Character, Connection, Competence, and Commitment

• Inspires all stakeholders to pursue a mission greater than themselves

• Drives long-term success by fostering engagement and purpose

At its core, culture is about taking care of people—our most valuable asset. While it includes essential HR functions like compensation, benefits, hiring, and firing, it goes beyond that. Great culture is built intentionally by leadership, creating an environment where people love their work.

Developing a Faith-Driven Culture

Culture is the behavior, beliefs, and values of a group of like-minded people pursuing a common cause. It reflects how a team thinks, believes, and acts, and it is driven by a company’s purpose, principles, and promises.

A strong culture is a competitive advantage—it attracts the right people and sets the organization apart.

The Biblical Model for Culture: John 15

Jesus provides a powerful analogy for cultivating culture in John 15:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.”

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

From this passage, we learn that a thriving culture requires cultivation:

• The vine (God) represents our business

• The branches (our team) must be nurtured to bear fruit

• A flourishing culture starts with love, respect, and investment in people

This is not a contractual relationship where employees provide labor in exchange for a paycheck. It is a covenantal relationship, where leaders commit to helping their people grow into all God has called them to be.

The Five Steps to Cultivating Culture

A flourishing culture requires intentional cultivation. Just as a gardener follows a process to nurture plants, leaders must follow a process to nurture people.

1. TILL – Define your culture

2. PLANT – Hiring and onboarding

3. WATER & FERTILIZE – Developing your team

4. PRUNE – Coaching for improved performance

5. HARVEST – Compensation, benefits, and sharing success

   
   

Step 1: TILL – Define Your Culture

Before hiring and onboarding team members, the foundation of culture must be set. This means ensuring that:

• Purpose, Principles, and Promises are clearly defined and upheld

• Senior leadership is fully aligned with the organization’s values

• Culture is actively promoted both internally and externally

When culture is well-defined, it attracts the right employees and customers, while naturally filtering out those who do not align with the organization’s values.

Step 2: PLANT – Hiring & Onboarding

Hiring the right people is critical to sustaining culture. Organizations should:

• Promote their Purpose, Principles, and Promises during recruitment

• Use the 4C framework (Character, Connection, Competence, Commitment) to evaluate candidates

• Ensure onboarding reinforces company culture and expectations

Step 3: WATER & FERTILIZE – Developing Your Team

Ongoing investment in team members is essential for their growth and contribution to culture.

Ways to Develop Your Team:

• Training & Development Programs – Equip employees with skills and knowledge

• Leadership Lunches – Engage in mentorship and learning

• Culture KPIs & Surveys – Measure and refine company culture

• Monthly Team Meetings – Reinforce values and share successes

Step 4: PRUNE – Coaching for Improvement

Even the best teams need refinement and accountability to stay aligned with company values.

• Use coaching plans to help employees reach their full potential

• Conduct regular performance reviews based on clear expectations

• Address misalignment with grace, honesty, and accountability

Step 5: HARVEST – Compensation, Benefits & Sharing Success

Culture is solidified when team members feel valued, rewarded, and engaged.

• Competitive Compensation – Pay fairly based on performance and market rates

• Generous Benefits – Support employees with healthcare, retirement, and wellness programs

• Sharing the Wealth – Provide opportunities for profit-sharing or incentives that align with company success

Tools to Strengthen Culture

A well-designed culture plan requires simple and effective systems. Below are helpful tools for reinforcing company culture.

Culture Tools & Systems:

• Personal Coaching Plans – Personalized growth roadmaps

• Team Member Handbooks – Clear expectations and policies

• Social & Spiritual Plans – Integrating faith and community initiatives

• Leadership Lunches – Informal mentoring and leadership development

• Monthly Team Meetings – Regular alignment and communication

• Culture KPIs & Surveys – Measuring employee satisfaction and engagement

• Gallup 12 Personal Profiles, DISC, Five Voices – Personality assessments for team dynamics

• Quarterly NPS (Net Promoter Score) – Measuring employee and customer satisfaction

• Online Learning Programs – Continuous education and professional development

The Power of a Company Newsletter

A well-crafted company newsletter is a powerful tool in shaping culture.

• Communicates company updates

• Reinforces core values through personal stories

• Celebrates team successes and milestones

A culture-focused newsletter builds connection, transparency, and engagement across the organization.

Build a Flourishing Culture

A strong, faith-driven culture does not happen by chance—it is cultivated intentionally.

By following the five steps—TILL, PLANT, WATER & FERTILIZE, PRUNE, and HARVEST—organizations can create an environment where employees flourish, customers are served with excellence, and business becomes a catalyst for greater impact.

A thriving culture leads to engaged employees, loyal customers, and long-term success. As leaders, we are called to steward culture well, ensuring that our organizations bear good fruit and reflect God’s love in the marketplace.

Need some expert guidance on the journey toward building a High Impact Business?

Let’s walk this path together.