Team Culture

Strong team culture can make or break an organization. So what is it exactly? 

At a basic level, it is a team's values, behaviors, and norms for working together. Of course it is more complex than that, and as a manager, a big part of your role is understanding your team’s dynamics, and helping to steer organizational culture in a positive direction. 

How would you describe your current team culture? Does it match your expectations or not? What would you change? What would you keep? 

You can shift and develop your team culture over time and it starts with listening. By creating space and clear channels for your team to offer ideas and feedback, you can listen and shift team dynamics to maximize team effectiveness and happiness. 

How will you know if you are building a strong team culture? 

You trust your team: And they trust you! Trust is built over time through behaviors that make people feel supported and empowered. 

Your team is collaborating: people are working together well across the organization, enhancing productivity and innovation.

There is psychological safety: people can show up as their full selves without the fear of negative consequences.

Burnout is minimized: your team is efficient and effective in their working hours, but maintains a strong work life balance.

Turnover rates are low: you have a team that enjoys their work and where they work, and they stick around a long time!  

Your team has fun!: you celebrate wins, support each other, and you actually enjoy team building moments. 

Team culture takes work and intention, and it can’t be changed all at once. What is one thing you can do today to listen or shift team dynamics in a positive way?