15 Surefire Ways You Can Enhance Your Team’s Culture
The culture of your organization plays a major role in the engagement and performance of your team. Fortunately, you can have a powerful impact on your workplace whether you’re a team leader or a summer intern. Try these suggestions to create an environment where everyone can feel valued and appreciated.
6 Steps to Take by Yourself:
1. Continue learning. Invest in education and training. Developing your knowledge and skills will broaden your opportunities at your current organization and in all your future positions. You’ll be a stronger member of any team.
2. Think long term. Keep your goals in mind. Evaluate how your actions will impact your organization’s future. For example, going the extra mile to satisfy a client could lead to repeat business, glowing reviews, and valuable referrals.
3. Take risks. Reward yourself for being innovative, even if some of your efforts fail to pan out. If you’re persistent, you’re bound to come up with some breakthrough ideas. Maybe you’ll find a new vendor who can save your company money. Or perhaps you’ll work on redesigning a certain product or system.
4. Ask questions. Being able to ask for information and advice is a sign of confidence. You’ll do your job better and show your colleagues you appreciate their experience and expertise.
5. Redecorate your surroundings. Culture involves both internal and external factors. Clearing the clutter off your desk could enhance your peace of mind. Displaying family photos may make you feel more comfortable and spark conversations.
6. Align your personal core values with the team’s core values. You’ll find your work more meaningful and gratifying when your team’s culture aligns with your own values.
9 Steps to Take with Your Teammates:
1. Build consensus. Think about all the stakeholders who are affected by your work. Request feedback and input. Involve others when you’re making important decisions. They’ll be more likely to support projects that they helped to develop.
2. Socialize more. Becoming more familiar with your colleagues outside of work can deepen your relationships. Participate in office picnics and happy hours. Join the softball league and invite your teammates out to dinner.
3. Welcome new hires. Reach out to new employees. Explaining the team’s culture to them will reinforce your own beliefs and actions.
4. Give praise. Be generous in acknowledging the talents and achievements of your colleagues. Congratulate a colleague who recently published a paper in a prestigious journal. Let the team know that you like the way they reorganized the supply cabinet. Thank your team for delivering a proposal in time for a tight deadline.
5. Share credit. Recognize teamwork. Thank others individually and in public for how they contribute to group victories. Throw a party or write a letter expressing your gratitude.
6. Communicate openly. Speak directly and respectfully. Thank your teammates for sharing their viewpoints.
7. Resolve conflicts. Disagreements are unavoidable. Hold yourself accountable for your actions and apologize when needed. Be courteous, even when your find yourself on the opposing side of an issue.
8. Focus on strengths. Remember to pay attention to the things you and your teammates do well. Everyone’s strengths are the essence of your organization’s culture and the foundation you can build upon to keep growing.
9. Give back to the community. Your company’s philanthropy and community programs say a lot about the organizational culture. Take part in initiatives you care about, such as holiday food drives or volunteer outings. Suggest new programs that are appropriate for your organization’s mission.
No matter what your role on the team is, you can have a positive influence on the culture in your workplace.
Which of the above steps will you take this week to enhance your culture?
Use Your Gifts!
Melanie Massey Groves and Brian Russell with MoCo: Leadership, Strengths, and Culture Coaching
If you would like to read more content from MoCo on becoming a strong leader, developing a strong mindset, and building a strong culture, you can click on the links to our social media pages above.
If you would like to receive our Monday MOtivation emails in your inbox, you can click on the link below.
