Although cultures are typically defined by the behaviors of executives and the values defined by organizations, individual teams naturally develop their own distinct cultures. This is known as a team microculture.
An unhealthy team microculture might involve secrecy, competition, or negativity. But an intentional leader can shape a microculture that brings out the absolute best in their people.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Identify values: Establish 5 core values your team stands for, like excellence, transparency, creativity, resilience, and accountability.
Define the values: Describe the behaviors associated with the value, for example, resilience - the ability to bounce back from setbacks
Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge people stepping into the values through praise, thank-you notes, and rewards for going above and beyond.
Infuse: Weave the values into job descriptions, performance reviews, and interview questions so the behaviors are spread across the team in multiple ways.
Hire for Culture Add: When hiring new team members, ensure they align with your microculture. Rate the candidate on where they stand with your top 5 values. Always avoid toxic hires.
Instilling this supportive microculture will make your hard-driving team want to bring their A-game each day. They will be innovative, engaged, and supportive of each other. By being intentional about your department’s microculture, you will become the inspirational leader your team wants to thrive under.
If you are looking for more support and would like to see how we can help Create a Thriving Team Microculture at Work, schedule a complimentary call here.
