Blog by Anna James

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]Culture can be a tricky subject to tackle. It is so broad in its definition, and people often do not completely comprehend how influential culture is to how they live their everyday life.  An analogy I have always found useful when thinking about culture is a fish in the ocean. Culture is to humans what water is to fish. We are immersed in it completely, and thus find it hard to understand any different. Because we are constantly surrounded by it, it is near impossible to see that what we think are universal truths are in fact just our local culture. We cannot see how it is different until we are taken out of it.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]Everything about your workplace – the morning tea breaks, the exchanges you have with your colleagues, meeting etiquette. It is all defined by your workplace culture. A friend was recently explaining to me the differences in two workplace cultures that she has experienced. One was hostile, unfriendly and uncomfortable. Everyone was watched like a hawk, pushed too hard, walked on eggshells, and not given any feedback (be it positive or negative) for work they do. Needless to say –she left this job rather quickly. The other has given her freedom, and has also made her feel included, supported, and motivated. Surprise, surprise – guess where she has not only been miles happier, but has felt more productive, useful, appreciated and valued?

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]It is common sense to realize that if you enjoy the environment of your work; you are going to be more productive. If you know you can have a laugh with your boss or take an overdue coffee break when you need it, you’re going to enjoy work a lot more than if you’re watched under the hawk-like eye of a tyrannical leader who will let you breathe if they’re being generous.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]Having a positive workplace culture is one of the most important ways in which to promote a happy, productive and motivated team. Having happy employees that feel valued is one of the, if not the most important asset a company can have. Not feeling valued is arguably the most destructive impact that can be had on an employee’s psychological wellbeing. It can lead to a lack of motivation, and sometimes resentment – which increases the chances significantly of an employee leaving the company. If an employee feels valued, then even if they are asked to do a task they do not necessarily enjoy, there will be far less opposed to doing it if they know the work they are doing will be valued.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]I read an article recently explaining the importance of not just leading a team, but leading a team culture. Initially I thought to myself ‘aren’t these essentially the same thing?’ …but the more I thought about it, the more I realized leading a team culture incorporates so much more. It is not only about leading your team to ensure that the necessary work gets done, it is about leading to ensure that your team feels happy, motivated and valued while getting that work done.  While training and experience of team members is undeniably important for performance – this is ultimately governed by workplace culture.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]As a team leader, learning how to lead a team culture is of fundamental importance to having a motivated and productive team. On February 22nd/23rd, Rapid Results will be running a 2-day public Team Leader workshop to help you achieve just this! This popular course will give you the methodologies to lead, inspire, and address behaviour and workplace culture with confidence, respect and approachability. It will make clear how to establish an effective, positive workplace culture – including how to recognize and eliminate negative workplace culture traits or qualities. If your aim is to build a positive and motivated team culture, get in touch with us at Rapid Results to book your place on this great workshop!