News

Mildura workplace culture offered an overhaul

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 08:20:00

A Mildura-based business and advisory firm says improving workplace culture is the single biggest opportunity for local businesses to improve their performance and bottom line.

But Crowe Horwath’s chief executive at Mildura Geoff Dea says workplace culture is also a major issue that smaller firms and organisations, particularly those in the country, find the most difficult to address.
“Almost every business operator or organisation we deal with, if you ask them, wants to improve their workplace culture – they know it has huge potential in terms of affecting how their business is travelling,” Mr Dea said.
“But often they just don’t know where to start – it’s like the elephant in the room!
“They know they want to create a positive culture, or improve their existing culture, but for many people tackling the idea of cultural change is just too difficult or seems too big and complicated.”
Crowe Horwath is offering a free workshop on developing a high-performing culture with former AFL player, turned business coach Craig Biddiscombe, later this month.
Originally from Gippsland, Craig was drafted to Geelong where he spent four years, before a stint with Richmond.  Craig spent his football years studying exercise science, then after finishing AFL football went on to a Masters of Business Management. 
His studies only reinforced in his mind the need for skilled facilitators to help corporate teams develop and maintain a culture strong enough to cope with difficult conversations around behaviour and performance – an environment that ultimately allows them to perform at their best when under real pressure.
Craig now works as a consultant and facilitator for Leading Teams Australia, which has worked on building culture in organisations including AFL powerhouses the Sydney Swans, Geelong and Hawthorn Football clubs.
His “Culture Matters” seminar at Mildura on October 29 will help businesses transition their culture to improve performance.
“The thing that sets us apart from our peers in business is often not so much about what we sell, or how we package or promote it,” Crowe Horwath’s marketing partner at Mildura, Kate Attard said.
“We all look similar to our customers and clients, but smart leaders realise it is culture that differentiates their organisation or team, and drives real business results.
“Your business will be far more profitable with a high-performing culture, and its survival might even depend on it.
“Craig’s seminar will help business leaders design, build and sustain their own high-performing culture. 
“He has a wealth of knowledge about what makes a great culture, and importantly, the three steps we need to take as business operators to get there.”
The free seminar will be held at the Quality Hotel Mildura Grand on October 29 between 5.30pm and 8pm.  Registrations are compulsory and can be made at murraydarling@crowehorwath.com.au