Culture of Support
I can’t really begin to describe how much I love the work I get to do with my clients. Helping individuals and teams grow into their leadership in dynamic and diverse ways is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, and sometimes I even have to take a moment in the middle of facilitating a retreat to revel in the joy of it!
The way they described the existing culture at their organization was nothing short of magnificent. On one hand, I can’t say I was surprised–most of my organizational clients are high-functioning teams who are looking to push the envelope in terms of how they grow and support their leaders. But nonetheless, this team managed to articulate a truly inspirational culture, and it is such a perfect example of what supportive leadership looks like that I want to share it with you!
Culture of Support — we both give and receive the following in order to create a supportive culture of leadership:
Transparency — this team felt that the executives always gave them the full story, whether the news was good or bad. They didn’t feel like they had to operate in the dark, and they know it creates an environment where employees want to stick around
Space to be creative and to work through problems. This team isn’t afraid of what happens if they make a mistake — they know their efforts are valued and they have autonomy to do their jobs.
Investment of time and resources to develop our leadership — obviously, since this team of 16 invested 2 hours just to plan their future leadership development!
Strong communication in every direction — up, down, and peer-to-peer. This is one that I hear all the time from clients as an area that needs attention — it takes more than intention to build strong communication, it takes time and dedication too!
Feedback to improve not only ourselves but the organization. Because of the strong communication and culture that allows risk-taking, feedback is embraced as part of the growth process. Individual leaders know that there’s nothing to fear from feedback, and their opinions are actively solicited for how to help the organization keep raising the bar higher.
Room to grow without an expectation of perfection. Because this team values learning and growth, they’re given space, time, and partnership to keep improving.
Grace to learn together, to admit when we don’t have the answer. When folks make mistakes, they’re not scolded or in trouble — they’re supported and encouraged to develop new skills and tools.
Understanding of the whole person who has priorities outside work. Yes, yes, YES! We are all actual human people with things in our lives that are more important than work. Supportive cultures always support the people who do the work, and that includes providing the ability to prioritize family, health, and life when it needs our full attention.
Thank you again to Children’s Clinics for all the opportunities you give me to work with your stellar team of leaders. I love feeling like a part of your team!
Email me at Hanna(at)RingmasterConsulting.comw