Unspoken Questions your team is likely asking

Work culture is on everyone’s radar these days. It's often the difference between a good team and a great one. Smart leaders pay attention to their team culture because they know it can create an atmosphere where people love to come to work and be a part of something that truly makes a difference. As teams change or evolve or as you onboard new team members, remember to consider these unspoken questions they are likely asking.

Can I trust you?

We all want to work for organizations and leaders that we trust; that is, those that live up to their promises. I've questioned candidates considering leaving their current work and I often hear about the old "bait and switch". Essentially they were told one thing about the organization, like expectations for the role or potential for growth as a leader, only to find out none of it, or very little of it was true. When a leader makes promises to their team but doesn't deliver, it creates opportunity that will likely equate to a lack of trust. It's understandable to paint your organization in the best possible light, however, when an unrealistic promise is made or an exaggerated view is painted without being honest about the real challenges the organization faces, team members will eventually see the reality and lose faith in leadership. Be relentlessly honest with your team about the challenges and opportunities. Honesty and fairness will build trust among your team which will create a healthy culture of trust and integrity.

Will you make my daily life better?

Increasingly, employees are looking for more than a job that simply provides a paycheck, they want to have their daily lives enriched and make an impact on others or on society. They want to be a part of a workplace environment that delivers the opportunity for fun and relationship as well as the opportunity for personal and professional growth. One of our core values here is FUN...so we need to look for ways to make the work we do more enjoyable. Whether we "game-ify" team/individual goals, celebrate special occasions or achievements or hold monthly meetings where we gather to spend time learning something new about work and have a party while doing it. This will help enrich the lives our our teams. Increasing the fun quotient will allow you to create a team that enjoys coming to work every day.

How will my work make a difference?

We are fortunate to work for a company that can really make a difference in the lives of people. Connecting people with job opportunities can be a very satisfying accomplishment. Unfortunately, we rarely take the time as leaders to equate value to the work we are performing. It's a powerful motivator. The key to motivation is not just to get someone to do something, but to get them to appreciate and agree with the "why" of the work we do.

Start asking these questions of yourself so you can answer them before you they become a problem. Create the work culture that is inviting enough to keep your best people wanting to show up every day.