Developing a positive team culture is not a once off event. Rather, it is a continuous process. Yes, it takes time and effort. For sure, it takes nurturing too however if done right, it will ultimately improve results!
There are a number of ‘ingredients’ needed to foster this positive team culture and I have outlined them here below for you.
Defining Success & Clear Expectations
To create a positive team culture it is essential that a clear understanding of what ‘success’ actually means is co-created between those involved. What specifically would success look like? How would it feel? What are team members expectations? What if there were no limitations?
Goal Orientated
Teams with a positive team culture are absolutely clear in terms of individual and collective goals. They appreciate the process required to achieve their objectives and understand where precisely they are on that journey. Goal setting provides us with a sense of direction and something to measure performance against. So too do they motivate and clarify what we view as our priorities.
Pressure is a Privilege
Teams that are goal orientated feel the pressure to perform. Rather than this being viewed as a negative, pressure should be viewed as a privilege. It shows us that we care, that performance matters and that each challenge provides us with an opportunity to improve and be all that we can be.
Communication is Key
Communication within a positive team culture is clear and timely. It flows up and down the team structure. It is predominantly focused on the positive and what it is that we want to achieve. There is an emphasis on celebrating one another’s successes. Recognise also that communication is as much about listening as it is speaking and that it is enhanced hugely by ensuring that the right questions are being asked of both ourselves and others.
Values underpin the work
Similar to the process of defining success which has already been mentioned above, is that of co-creating the team values. Our values inform the types of behaviours and attitudes that are acceptable and those that are not. They keep everyone accountable and grounded in terms of what is truly important and the type of legacy that we wish to leave.
Accountability & Self-Leadership
Linked to that of values above, it the need for team members to understand their own individual responsibilities and to hold both themselves and their team-mates accountable. Self-leadership is about holding one-self accountable. It is about setting our own high standards and recognizing those habits and motivations that enhance our performance.
Commitment & Consistency
Positive team cultures are environments where the level of management and team members commitment is extremely high. The level of commitment and consistency is usually proportionate to the level and consistency of performance.
Continuous Development
Finally, a positive team culture requires an environment where continuous development is central to the process. Each and every person understands that there are aspects of their performance that can improved upon. Perfection may never be reached but excellence can be achieved in its pursuit. Individual planning is linked to the wider development objectives of the overall team; contributing towards the positive team culture on a continuous basis.
Joe McDonald, founder of create10 is a highly qualified, registered and experienced professional coach. Working with individuals and teams in business, sports and simply those interested in making the most of life, he provides one to one coaching, team workshops and online courses. Email info@create10.ie for further information and see www.create10.ie for options.