I finished the fifth and last book on February’s reading list when I completed Daniel Coyle’s, The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups.
If building culture is on your radar, put this book on your list.
Favorite quotes:
“We presume skilled individuals will combine to produce skilled performance in the same way we presume two plus two will combine to produce four. … We focus on what we can see, individual skills. But individual skills are not what matters. What matters is the interaction.”
“Culture is a set of living relationships working toward a shared goal. It’s not something you are. It’s something you do.”
3 skills for building highly successful groups:
#1. Build safety.
Great group chemistry isn’t luck; it’s about sending super-clear, continuous signals: we share a future, you have a voice.
#2. Share vulnerability.
Strong cultures don’t hide their weaknesses; they make a habit of sharing them, so they can improve together.
- Leaders go first when it comes to vulnerability.
- Do the hard stuff in person. Don’t have tough conversation over email.
#3. Establish purpose: tell your story.
Create vivid narratives that work like GPS signals, guiding your group toward its goal.
- Name and rank your group‘s priorities.
- Use shared language. Catch phrases may be inadequate but they’re enough.
The trick to building effective catch phrases is to keep them simple, action-oriented, and forthright: “Create fun and a little weirdness” (Zappos).
How might leaders build highly successful groups?
Other books on February’s reading list:
Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being by Shawn Achor. (Done)
Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord. (Done)
When: The Scientific Secret to Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink. (Done)
Talent Magnet: How to Attract and Keep the Best People by Mark Miller. See yesterday’s post for a chance to win a copy of Talent Magnet. (Done)