Building Teams That Thrive
Your team is more important than you might realize. Cultivating a space where people can bring their best selves and feel they are contributing to something beyond their individual roles is both powerful and deeply appealing. A healthy team culture within your organization not only allows you to “move the needle” on measurable impact but also attracts top talent who align with your vision and values.
In my book, SUSTAINABLE ENGAGEMENT: Strategic Planning for Positive Social Change, we emphasize the necessity of a committed team:
You cannot do this work alone, successfully. You can initiate it, but to think you can take on this work, scale it, and create something sustainable and meaningful on your own is a fool’s errand. While the necessity of a team should go without saying, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that it’s not just about forming a team; it’s also about the cultural ethos you create. A spirit of collaboration is critical.
Here are some essential things to keep in mind when building your team:
1. Understand What You’re After
Knowing your vision and mission is the bedrock of building a solid team. If you’re unclear about your mission and desired impact, you’ll struggle to engage and partner with committed team members. Your team needs to buy into the vision and be willing to carry that torch with you. Take time to refine and clearly communicate your mission to foster buy-in and alignment across the team.
2. Prioritize Culture and Intercultural Competency
Your team should mirror the diversity of the communities you’re aiming to serve. This involves both understanding and valuing multiple perspectives, from organizational culture to individual cultural identities (such as race, ethnicity, gender, and more). Creating a culture rooted in intercultural competence is critical to cultivating an inclusive environment. Moving from individualism to a collective orientation for the common good requires a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that’s not just surface-level but integrated into your daily processes and decision-making.
3. Recognize and Deconstruct a Colonial Mindset
American culture has deep colonial roots, and if unexamined, colonial attitudes of dominance and exploitation can inadvertently shape team dynamics. By consciously working to decolonize your team, you make space for honesty, integrity, transparency in communication, and respect. This means fostering an environment where every member feels valued and able to bring their full selves to the work, encouraging innovation and fresh perspectives. When team members aren’t pressured to conform or assimilate, they’re more likely to offer unique insights that benefit everyone.
4. Embrace the Power of Gifts and Experience
You and I are not capable of doing everything, and that’s okay. The best teams are built by bringing together individuals with complementary skills. This means surrounding yourself with people who are gifted in ways you are not and who bring valuable experience to the table. Recognize and celebrate these diverse skills—they make the whole team stronger and more capable.
5. Stay Adaptable and Refine Your Vision
The world and our collective circumstances are continually shifting, and so too should our approach to achieving impact. As you navigate the changing landscape, regularly revisit your vision to ensure it remains relevant and responsive. Be sure to translate this evolving vision into actionable focus areas for each team member, allowing everyone to understand how their work contributes to the big picture.
6. Celebrate the Opportunities That Difference Brings
Differences in thought, background, and experience bring enormous value to a team. In today’s interconnected world, it’s vital to stay open to new ways of thinking and being. A diverse team that is fully engaged can introduce innovative strategies and solutions, particularly when it comes to influencing social policy. Be proactive in recognizing these differences and celebrating them as they arise.
7. Foster a Spirit of Collaboration and Psychological Safety
True collaboration only thrives when team members feel safe sharing their ideas and taking risks without fear of judgment. Building this environment requires egos to be checked at the door; it’s not about individual recognition but collective impact. Strong teams fail and succeed together, and supporting each other through both is key to long-term success. Encourage open, honest communication and foster a sense of psychological safety that allows team members to take ownership, share constructive feedback, and challenge one another’s ideas.
8. Communicate Effectively and Transparently
Communication is the lifeline of any team. Encourage clear and open communication channels so everyone feels informed and included. This means not only keeping the team updated on major decisions but also ensuring there is space for two-way feedback and dialogue. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and an open-door policy all help reinforce the importance of transparent communication.
9. Develop a Strong Onboarding Process
Building a team that thrives starts at the very beginning. Take the time to develop a robust onboarding process that not only introduces new team members to their roles but also familiarizes them with the organization’s culture, mission, and values. When team members have a clear understanding of the big picture and how they fit into it from day one, they’re more likely to feel engaged and committed to the organization’s success.
10. Acknowledge and Celebrate Team Successes
Don’t wait for large milestones to recognize the team’s hard work. Celebrating small wins and acknowledging individual contributions reinforces a culture of appreciation. Regularly recognizing achievements helps keep morale high and reminds team members that their work is valued. This doesn’t have to be grand gestures; sometimes, a simple thank-you or a shout-out during a meeting can make all the difference.
In sum, building a successful team requires more than just finding the right people. It’s about creating an environment where they can thrive, innovate, and work together toward a shared vision. Keep these principles in mind as you form your team, and remember that a well-supported and valued team will be the most powerful tool you have in advancing positive social change.
For a copy of our book, check out this link: https://sustinerigroup.co/sustainable_engagement_book