3 Skills for Culture - From The Culture Code

What makes up successful company cultures? 

This is something that Daniel Coyle took years researching by visiting the top teams and organizations in a variety of industries from business to sports to the military. In his book The Culture Code he wrote about three skills that they have. These are:

1. Build Safety
2. Share Vulnerability
3. Establish Purpose

Let's take a look at each of these. 

Build Safety - Safety is the foundation of any strong culture. Safety is not created by big things but rather by small moments of social connection. He calls these belonging cues. This allows the brain to switch from fight or flight where you are worried about survival to instead focus on connection. Examples of belonging cues are:

• Close physical proximity

• Physical touch such as handshakes and fist bumps

• Eye contact

• Short energetic exchanges

• Active listening and asking questions

• Turn-taking and avoiding interruptions

• Mixing - talking with everyone

• Humor

• Small courtesies such as saying thank you and holding doors

• Body language such as leaning in and nodding

Share vulnerability - Vulnerability has been shown to build both cooperation and trust. It allows people to put their guard down and actually focus on the task at hand. 

This involves knowing that you don't have all the answers and being willing to ask for help. It is admitting when you made a mistake and taking ownership. It is asking for and being open to honest feedback. 

Establish Purpose - People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It gives meaning to what you are doing and where you are headed. A few key points with this:

• This purpose needs to be communicated consistently. Don't assume people know it.

• Use catchphrases and visuals to help communicate this. These phrases can guide behavior.

• Use stories. 

• Celebrate people when they demonstrate the company's purpose and values. 

• Purpose and values guide you during crisis management.