We hear a lot of talks these days about creating the right culture. Most organizations are aware that developing this culture is important for many reasons. I would go so far as to say that if a company does not spend a great deal of time establishing the correct culture that it will eventually fail.

Both customers and employees look for companies that focus less on making profits and more on people. When members of a company take the time to build this type of culture, then both customers and employees are happy and the company becomes sustainable.

One of the most important aspects of the culture we are working toward developing at Jaipur Rugs is positivity. I spent a large part of my life surrounded by people who were judgmental, negative and who had too much baggage. I knew that if I wanted to build a successful enterprise, that I could not include such people in my business.

During our recruitment process, we look for those individuals who are not judgmental or negative. It does not make sense to hire these types of people because they will not change. In fact, if you try to point out their negativity, they often become more contrary.

Once we find the right type of positive person, we work to maintain this attitude. Deep meditation, self-awareness, and mindfulness are two very useful and effective ways of accomplishing this, allowing people to reach even more profound levels of viewing things as they are. This also helps them relax and clear their mind of stress.

We like to incorporate holistic health, which includes acupressure and eating healthy and organic foods. When people are relaxed and healthy, they can focus more on their passion rather than getting bogged down by stress and ailments.

Like-minded positive people are encouraged to spend as much time together as possible. They eat together and discuss ideas amongst one another. The more these people’s visions are aligned, the further they go from negativity. When you do work that you love and are passionate about, there is no room for ill feelings.

We are striving to create a culture of positivity where people can understand the symptoms of negativity and weed them out before they take root.

Building a positive work environment starts at the top. That is why I maintain an open-door policy meaning that anyone can come to see me for whatever reason. As a leader, it is my responsibility to address concerns in an open way. I also encourage managers to praise good work as often as possible. People feel good when they know they are doing good.

Good work is always appreciated in the organization by the mentors, teammates and myself. This motivates individuals to do better and focus more on the positive aspects and unlearn negative assumptions and judgments.

Leadership is not about building an invisible wall around your corner office where only a select few can visit the person in charge. There are CEOs who operate this way, but I am sure that the environment in their organization is not open and positive. Viewing things as they are and creating an open, comfortable and positive culture is one of the most important things you can do to create a sustainable and successful organization.