The dirty secret about corporate culture

The dirty secret about corporate cultureThe dirty secret about corporate cultureSo, first of all what really is corporate culture?It is clearly a buzzword and in athletic and corporate we know it is important but what is it really?Well, Im glad you asked.??Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreCorporate culture regardless of how overcomplicated some people may want to make it is simple to understand. Culture is the behaviors that are allowed and repeated in your organization.But the dirty secret about culture is that You dont build itCulture isnt a pile of bricks it is the behaviors of a group of people.And as a kollektivwork speaker and author, one of the key ideas that shapes my interactive programs is thisCulture is behaviors and behaviors are the result of beliefs and beliefs are influenced by awareness and awareness is driven by experienceTruly impactful teambuilding event s and keynotes are full of stories and activities because it is those experiences that ultimately become memorable moments and impact your team behaviors.And behaviors are the stuff that become your culture.But, again, you dont build culture. You can only influence it.And you influence it by giving your people new experiences (words and deeds) that change their awareness of the ripples their perceptions and conduct have on team performanceSo as a teamwork speaker, I tell people that whether as a coach or as a winning teammate there are two ways to change the culture in your companyWhat you do and what you say.1. What you doThe example you setAccording to Albert Schweitzer, The three most important ways to lead people are by example by example by example.What you do has immeasurable ripples of impact and people are always watching. And when you do something, you give unspoken permission and encouragement for others to emulate that behavior. Are you being positive if you ask yo ur team to do that in adversity?Do you plektrum up trash off the floor and thank people for what they do to help your organization?People dont hear what you say they copy what you do.The expectations you consequenceExpectations are important you need to be clear about what you want your team to do and how you want it done. But if you do not measure or inspect those expectations and consequence them with rewards (or correction), then your team will not respond to your future demands the way you might prefer.Be intentional about praising the positives when people meet and exceed expectations and give tremendous effort but also be sure to have an accountability conversation when they fall short of those expectations that sets the standard for them, and for others who see the example you set for performance.2. What you sayThe stories you tellStories are experiences that we enjoy vicariously.So want to emphasize the importance of blocking out? Tell a story about when somebody didnt, and the negative outcome it created or tell about when someone did and the positive result they created. Stories are examples of values in action.The questions you askThe best leaders dont tell. They ASSC Always stay sincerely curious.Seek to know more about your team and their perceptions and understanding and ideas. One of the most powerful questions a coach or manager can ask their team is, What do you think?Instead of telling, be curious and check for understanding. Ask if they know why they are supposed to do something that you are teaching. Asking engages peopleIf you are serious about improving your team culture, the dirty secret is that you have the power of influence and your words and actions (the things your team experience) will affect their beliefs and behaviors.To ensure that your people are Winning Teammates, you may want to be more intentional about creating those experiences by scheduling a book to read and discuss or a team building event that would emphasize t he accountability and communication that would lead to a successful team culture.And for handouts and activities to use on your own, check out my free collection of over 50 resources in my team building toolbox.Sean Glaze is an author, engaging speaker, and fun team building facilitator who inspires groups to have fun laughing together so they can have more success working together. His three books, The Unexpected Leader, Rapid Teamwork, and The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates are powerful parables for building and leading great teamsYou might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people