🧭How to Create your Team Culture

Good Day, and welcome to The Growth Compass. We are that jump into a pool after a long, hot day outside. We keep you cool, calm, and remind you to have no fear.

Here’s where we’re headed today:

• Tony Hsieh on culture

• Why your team culture matters

• 8 critical steps to defining your culture

• Coach K on implementing culture

Tony Hsieh on Culture

"If you get the culture right, most of the other stuff will just take care of itself."

- Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos

The Importance of Team Culture

Why It Matters: A well-cultivated culture aligns teams, enhances decision-making, guides behavior, and improves team performance.

Setting a team and organizational culture is not just about the end result, it’s about creating an environment where people care, collaborate, and celebrate each other’s success.

• Culture is the floor that you set for your team or organization.

• Culture is something that everyone contributes to.

• Culture is a living breathing organism: it builds or shrinks every day.

• Culture is reflected in what you say and how you communicate.

• Culture is set by what you reinforce on a daily basis.

• You can take culture for granted.

• Team culture is built by your attitudes and actions.

Culture is a collective effort: every team member contributes to its formation, establishing norms for collaboration and decision-making. Leadership's role is paramount: they set the tone, reinforce values, and guide the team's actions. Culture acts as a moral compass, driving behavior even in uncharted situations.

8 Steps to Creating a Thriving Culture

According to a 2021 global survey of 3,200 workers conducted by PwC, 69% of senior leaders attribute much of their success during the pandemic to culture.

Good culture isn’t just words on a wall. The elements of any good team culture involve communication, trust, collaboration, innovation, and support. It is a place where the team feels connected and cares for one another. Here are 8 steps to building that culture:

1. Define Values and Mission: Clearly articulate your core values and mission. These serve as the foundation for your culture, guiding behaviors and decisions. When everyone understands and aligns with these principles, a cohesive culture can emerge.

2. Define Your Culture and Communicate Expectations: Outline the desired culture you want to foster. Communicate expectations regarding behaviors, collaboration, and work ethic. Provide a clear framework for how everyone should interact and contribute to the collective environment.

3. Be Transparent and Communicate: Transparency builds trust. Keep the lines of communication open, sharing relevant information about goals, challenges, and decisions. This empowers everyone with a sense of ownership and involvement in the organization's journey.

4. Let Your Actions Speak: Leading by example is paramount. Showcase the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in your team. Your actions serve as a model for others, reinforcing the culture you're striving to create.

5. Care and Connect: Spend time building relationships among everyone. When you spend time and invest in each other, it shows you truly care for one another. Encourage collaboration, empathy, and support. When you feel valued and connected, a positive and inclusive culture takes off.

6. Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognizing successes fosters a positive atmosphere and motivates individuals to strive for excellence. This also reinforces the cultural values you've set.

7. Prioritize Growth and Learning: Encourage continuous learning and personal development. Cultures that prioritize growth foster innovation and adaptability showing that you think and care about everyone’s future. Provide opportunities for skill enhancement and career progression.

8. Get Feedback - Ask "What Do You Think?": Actively seek input from your team. Regularly solicit feedback on the culture, processes, and any areas for improvement. This not only demonstrates their opinions matter but also helps you refine the culture based on real insights.

Building a thriving culture is an ongoing process that requires commitment from all levels of the organization. By laying down a strong foundation of values, clear communication, and leadership through example, you can cultivate a culture that empowers individuals and propels the organization toward success.

Coach K on Culture

Must-listen 2-minute talk from Coach K on how you build a great culture from the top down and bottom up.

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