Introduction
Gary Brecka is a professional human biologist specializing in helping people achieve optimal health. In one of his podcasts, he references how nourishing the human body is like ensuring a plant has nutrient-dense soil. When a plant is not well, an arborist will come in and evaluate the plant’s health. The first thing the arborist will do is core test the soil. This test will provide insight into if there are nutrient deficiencies. These results are crucial for diagnosing the issue and finding a solution to bring the plant back to life. This analogy translates well to leaders cultivating a positive work culture to nourish their team. When leaders intentionally promote a positive work culture, their team members can thrive and, if necessary, be revitalized.
Characteristics of a Positive Work Culture
To build a positive work culture, we need to first understand work culture. Work culture is an organization’s behaviors, customs, attitudes, and beliefs. How these traits are displayed and communicated influences the perception others have of the organization. It only makes sense that if portrayed well, a positive perception is gained. Some key steps that create a positive work culture are leaders promoting employees’ well-being and providing supportive environments. How leaders take these steps can come from different strategies.
Strategies for a Positive Work Culture
Whether a leader is trying to maintain a positive work culture or seeking to create one, it is wise to continually assess strategies for culture development. Although effective strategies are not limited to the list below, these suggestions could be a good starting point for leaders to develop and/or sustain positivity.
- Model the positive culture. It is important to not assume that our teams understand or know how to act according to the culture we aim to create. That is why leaders must model the behaviors they wish to see. One of the quickest ways to lose employees’ trust is by jeopardizing integrity. A positive work culture is connected to the positive perception of the leaders within that organization. These leaders must be empathetic, supportive, and professional. Leaders should lead by example and embody the culture they want to create.
- Value and celebrate your team. Who does not like feeling valued and appreciated? Leaders must communicate how much they value their team members. Simply saying, “I value you,” will not cut it. It is vital to acknowledge specific actions or attributes that are valued. What can further foster these traits is celebrating them. Leaders should also celebrate the general successes of the team. Research shows that adverse experiences significantly impact our overall mood more than positive ones. This is why leaders have to celebrate successes when they occur. Success deserves to be celebrated!
- Speak with transparency. One of the best ways to create a positive culture is by avoiding ambiguity. Uncertainty can often lead to anxiety, and that erodes positivity. Leaders should communicate clear expectations for performance. When a performance goal is met, acknowledge it. When a performance goal is not met, address it. Just remember that transparency is not just about speaking plainly. Communicate in a way that protects the relationships, consider your team member’s preferred communication style, and provide clarity.
Reflections: What steps must you take to create or foster a positive work culture? What results are you looking for that would show you are building a positive work culture?
