Why Culture is important for the future of memphis

Culture + Connection = Contribution

Since day one at City Leadership, we have put all our chips on leadership. We believe everything rises and falls on leadership and that growing leaders create growing communities. 

 One of the reasons why this is true is because leaders set the trajectory for and have the most responsibility in shaping the CULTURE. 

Connecting the Dots

Culture really matters. We have seen it with every client, organization, community and city we have worked with. A strong culture really matters, but the people's connection with the culture is where you find the momentum. 

Gallup recently released its updated 2024 findings on employees’ connection to workplace culture. When they feel connected to the organization's culture they are:

• 4 times as likely to be engaged

• 62% less likely to feel burned out

• 43% less likely to be job searching

So, to start with our teammates: if you sense they're disengaged, burned out, or looking for other opportunities, your first step is to gauge their connection to the culture.

If connection is low, there are not a lot of quick fixes. To turn the ship around and keep the lack of connection from sinking the entire mission, start reinforcing the culture connections in large groups, team meetings, and one-on-one's. 

Ensure measurable goals are aligned with the culture's mission and help connect daily tasks to the long-term vision for the future. 

Culture and our City

One way we intentionally support our city is by celebrating and increasing the amount of optimism in our community. Optimism for our community is directly tied to feeling connected to the culture of it. 

For our city to succeed, we need our people fully engaged, not feeling burned out, and definitely not searching for another city. 

As a leader—whether you're guiding employees, parishioners, neighbors, family, or friends—Memphis needs you to connect her citizens to the culture.

Like above, there are not a lot of quick “forever” fixes, but if the people around you are waning for this place, look for ways you can reinforce the culture. 

Culture + Connection = Contribution

Some ways City Leadership can Help…

We don't have all the solutions, but some of what we offer might help you lead your people in strengthening their connection to your organization and our community. 

Research suggests that employees tend to be happier when their company is connected to the city, as it can provide a sense of community, access to local amenities, and a feeling of being part of a vibrant environment, which can positively impact their overall work satisfaction and well-being.

• Subscribe to the Choose901 Emails

  • Positive updates about the 901 three to four times per week can help employees feel connected to Memphis and feel positive about living here.

• Write a guest blog about your organization's love for Memphis

  • It could be “Three reasons why we Choose901” or a story about how your organization volunteers in the community.  You could write a profile on a recent employee that you have recruited to town or a guide on how to utilize your company or products to enjoy Memphis.

• Order co-branded swag for your team

  • Everyone loves a “Communi-Tee,” and Choose901 Merch has created them for AutoZone, Huey's, the Grizzlies, dozens of schools, neighbors, etc. They are a win / win- more fun, and more affordable, than most the generic corporate swag out there.

• Support our Teachers!

  • Teachers are heroes who need our encouragement. We can help your organization support those pouring their lives into our city's children by assessing how you can help and maximize your impact.

• Hire an Intern

  • We have dozens of college students in our Choose901 Alumni program looking for internships. Having an up-and-coming leader on your team—and taking the time to develop them—usually benefits your team culture just as much as it helps the intern.

• Join Give901as an individual or with your company

  • We encourage everyone to chip in one hour of pay and one hour of time each month to support teachers, schools, and mentors in Memphis. None of us can do it all, but if we all give a little, we will change a lot.

  • This program organizes all the details and maximizes your company impact in efficient and fun ways.

Thank you for believing in Memphis

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to get after it. We are here to help and answer questions about all these.

Just email me and let me know what you are thinking and we will get you going. Our community needs you to take this initiative. That is what leaders do. 

Remember, Now is the Time & Memphis is the Place!