May 18, 2022
Hello, Ryigniters! The question we're unpacking today is one I often hear from leaders and entrepreneurs: How do you build and maintain a positive team culture that not only inspires massive action and ownership but also remains grounded in reality? Well, it's definitely a balance that requires some attention to specific details. If you need a plan and a strategy to create a 10X organization, then let's dive in and get some answers.
Let's begin with the concept that serves as the cornerstone of a productive and innovative work culture—psychological safety. This isn't just feel-good jargon; according to a two-year study conducted by Google, psychological safety was identified as the most crucial factor in building a successful team. It’s the assurance that you can voice ideas, concerns, and mistakes without being penalized or ridiculed. Teams with high psychological safety are proven to have a stronger commitment to solving complex problems. It's not just about comfort; it's about giving people the latitude to take risks, which in turn fosters innovation. In my own leadership journey, I've found that when team members feel safe, they're more likely to suggest out-of-the-box ideas that can propel a project—or even an entire company—forward.
With discussions around "toxic positivity" becoming more prevalent, it’s critical to define what we mean by leading with positivity. I call this "Responsible Positivity." It's not about ignoring issues or glossing over problems with a fake smile. It’s acknowledging challenges while still focusing on constructive solutions and learning opportunities. By responsibly leveraging positivity, we can better address the proverbial elephant in the room while still inspiring our teams to take actionable steps forward.
When your team feels safe and is guided by responsible positivity, the next ingredient is Massive Action. The aim is to give your team the confidence and support so that they feel empowered to take action, even if the first attempts don't pan out as expected. As someone who's a big fan of Grant Cardone's principles, the idea here is that timing will never be perfect. Commit first, and figure out the details later. When you cultivate a learning organization that absorbs both triumphs and setbacks as valuable lessons, the sky's the limit. Your team is more likely to stretch for those 10X goals knowing they will be supported, regardless of the outcome.
Now let’s talk about how these concepts work together to create a rock-solid, 10X-focused culture. First, foster an environment where psychological safety reigns supreme. Open the floor to new ideas and encourage constructive criticism. Next, establish a culture of Responsible Positivity. Address challenges head-on, but with a solutions-oriented mindset. Finally, inspire your team to take Massive Action. Give them the tools, knowledge, and, most importantly, the psychological safety net to aim high and shoot for those 10X goals.
Here's a challenge to get you started:
So, are you ready to get fired up and go do something great? Implement these steps and set your team on a course to 10X its potential! 🚀🔥