The Marine Corps culture is well documented. The culture is strong; the culture is intense, and the culture sets the standard of what it takes every day to serve and survive in the Marines. Every military branch, every company, and every team has a culture; some are great, some are mediocre, and some are toxic. Over the years, as I’ve worked with hundreds of teams, I have learned that culture is who you are, what you are, what you do, and how you do it. Below, you will find a couple of tried and true methods for how to create a positive workplace culture or turn around one that needs attention.
Lead by example
Everything you do and say is being observed, judged, and calculated by those around you. Control what you can control, which is yourself. Set an example of what you want to be. Work on solid relationships; as the relationship takes hold, your ability to influence will follow suit.
Invest in your people
Investing in your team’s growth and development is not just a financial decision, it’s an investment in your culture. By providing opportunities for continuous learning, workshops, mentorship, and leadership training, you show your team that you care about their professional development. This, in turn, can lead to job satisfaction, loyalty, and a strong culture. When your team feels valued and supported, they are more likely to contribute positively to the culture.
Empower your team
We should strive to get our team involved. People want to be included, their voices heard, and to be a part of the team. Use decentralized command (delegate decisions, ask for their input, and empower them so they become involved in what is going on). Give your team ownership. Ownership creates buy-in, and when people are bought in, they care about what is going on (including the culture).
Conclusion
Every day, every decision you and your team make adds to or takes away from the current culture. Cultivating and maintaining a strong culture takes time, effort, discipline, and a campaign approach. Cultures are not set in stone, which can be seen as good or bad. If your culture is toxic, it can change. If your culture is excellent, it must be maintained.
