One of the themes which has emerged in this month's blog posts has been the concept of team identity and team culture. This is something I have written on throughout our five years of posts, as culture shapes all layers of the team experience. What we focus on, what we do and how we do it, what we prioritize.

​As I wrote in Teams365 #1440:
"Team culture is often defined as "how we do things". It includes our behaviors and practices, what is acceptable and what is not.

​Each team is unique in it's team culture, and this may vary from organiational culture.

​Consider the question this week "What are three adjectives to describe your team culture?". 
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​What do these adjectives say about you? What you value? How is it reflected in your work?"

​Here are a few reminders of past posts on team culture for this week's FlashbackFriday:

​Listen into the first Team Leader Breakfast Café call I did back in 2014 on Team Culture. The call runs for 30 minutes. 



​Teams365 #406 suggested a few resources you might want to check out to learn more:

Culture U's article from Scott Beilke on The Sweet Spot - Understanding Culture, Change and Leadership to Accomplish Business Results

Tim Kuppler's Culture Fundamentals - 9 Insights from Edward Schein

Value Based Leadership from Richard Barrett

​What is important to note about your team culture?

Have a great weekend,
​Jennifer

​Team Culture: The Every Manager’s Desktop Reference defines organizational culture as “a set of shared values, goals, practices, and management styles that characterize an organization and are expected to be reflected in its public face and member behaviors” (pp 414, Every Manager’s Desktop Reference).

Today’s VUCA business context, characterized by ongoing change and flux, has pointed many teams to the importance of team culture. Our team culture may be different, or aligned with, our organizational culture. Simply put, team culture is “HOW WE DO THINGS”. It is the behaviors, practices and values which shape our every day interaction. Think about a team who has as part of it’s culture “customer service”. Actions and activities around providing exceptional service will be prioritized over ones that value quality and/or time, unless they are linked to customer service.

What are the adjectives that describe your culture?

Team Culture doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, and HR writers like Susan Heathfield reminds us “team members understand that 20% of the problems that they will experience as a team will fall within the context of the task or mission the team is assigned to accomplish. The other 80% of the problems they experience will relate to their team culture and the processes team members establish and commit to for interacting with each other as team members.” Link to her great article Team Culture and Clear Expectations at The Balance.com - https://www.thebalance.com/team-culture-and-clear-expectations-1919255
 
There are many different models of what comprises team culture:
Culture includes our behavioral norms and agreements - How do we do things here. What is acceptable and not acceptable.
It also includes team identity – How do I connect with others, how do we see ourselves
What we value: Culture is shaped by our values, beliefs and actions. It also includes our mindset. Consider what some of the mindsets are for you as a team. This might include: “We are able to flow with the changes that come our way” OR “We go above and beyond or “We rise to the challenge every time”.
When cultures are strong new members and external people can sense what our team is like. It’s almost a visible layer to others. This is especially true when we have a culture of collaboration, having each other’s back, or helping each other.

​What's important for you to note and be in dialogue around as a team with respect to team culture?

Have a great Tuesday,
​Jennifer