One of the most difficult things to do as a business owner, is to take a step back from the daily grind to view your company from different lenses/perspectives (past-current-future customers, employees and vendors). These lenses require 20/20 vision with clear objectivity, an open mind, clear thought, brutal honesty and an egoless humility.

10 Identifying traits of a negative culture:

1) High employee turnover

2) Lack of organization

3) Declining sales

4) Too busy reacting to problems

5) Unhappy internal customers (Employees)

6) Unhappy external customers (Clients, Customers)

7) Leave work feeling mentally exhausted

8) Daily frustration

9) Don't know what to do next

10) Indecisiveness

These are all signs of a negative culture and if not corrected, will lead to company failure.

Although correcting a negative culture is difficult, it is not impossible. It takes bold commitment, patience, humility, coachability, and a great supportive team. It isn't easy, but the rewards are well worth it.