Six Ways to Create Your Above Average Workday on Purpose

Space - Do you hear people talking about their space at work, wishing people would stay out of their space, or give them space?

Together, everyone achieves more. We’ve all heard this many times, however, have you ever stopped to think about what this means to you or how to make it happen with your team and even your family? How many of you like to be “told” what to do? Not many of us. Granted, there is a time and a place to tell people things. For example, when there are new policies or maybe when people are first beginning a new job or activity and they don’t have the information they need to successfully complete their job. Yet, in many instances instead of telling people what to do, what if we worked together to create the culture and atmosphere at our workplaces, with our friends, and families where everyone could thrive and be the very best version of themselves. Let’s create safe and more satisfying work and family days.

Co-creating a safe and satisfying environment sounds easy - sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t. I’ve heard it said that some people are so lucky - I have found the harder people work the luckier they become. In working with and on a variety teams for more years than I can count I’ve discovered 6 ways in which to create the culture we want. The beauty of this is: it’s your team: your choice: your culture. Together, let’s explore how to create the work day your team wants.

Collaborate by building Relationships that last. Empower each other and through Asking questions as you Together build Trust in one another while Enjoying the culture you’ve created on purpose.

1. Collaborate - We talk about it and yet what are some of the ways in which we collaborate with one another? When working side by side and making decisions based on what’s best for all involved it’s important to remember our purpose. What is the reason our team is here? Individuals have a purpose - teams have a purpose too. When we are all working toward the same purpose or goal it’s easier to be on the same page. What is it that your team as a team can do and deliver that no one else can? It’s not about us, it’s about our purpose and our client(s). Involve as many people as possible in the plan, decision, and implementation. Ensure each person is on board with the decision and involved with the outcome. When I served the Iowa Jaycees as a Regional Director our Board discussed our goals, how we would accomplish them in order to best serve our communities and grow as a region. We didn’t always agree however we continued to meet, talk, and determine what was best for the entire team not just one person. Many times we are told if we are meeting about a problem it’s good to come with a solution. Yet, what if there is a problem and you really are not certain what to do. Do we not talk about it? Adam Grant shared during a keynote address that it’s okay not to always have solutions when you meet. Come with an open mind to brainstorm and collaborate on solutions together. His book and keynote caused me to “Think Again.”

2. Relationships - one of the best ways to create a great culture is to work alongside one another. I’ve learned it’s best not to ask anyone to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. Not that you are always the one doing it yet people know they can count on you for anything. I had the privilege of witnessing leadership at its best at the first Iowa State “Camp” ISU held a fun, free event the weekend prior to classes starting to welcome our students to campus. ISU President Wintersteen attended and “hung out” with the students which you may be thinking, what’s the big deal. The big deal - she stayed with the volunteers to help throw away trash, clean tables, and stack tables and chairs. She didn’t have to stay. She chose to stay. She leads by example and works along side of her team. She is the epitome of what a leader is and does to create a better work day for everyone. In fact one of her team members shared that’s just one of the many reasons she loves working for her.

When building relationships consider some of the following ideas:

 Spend time with each other - sometimes people will remark they don’t have time - I venture to say we don’t have time not to make the time to foster relationships.

 It’s hard to be angry at someone with whom you have a relationship.

 Host activities to get to know people.

 Check-in with each other at each meetings, ask participants about their favorite food, what they’re

looking forward to or celebrating, what season describing their mood etc.

 Celebrate successes and wins - maybe even failures - what did we learn from them.

 Host a monthly birthday celebration.

 Host potlucks - some of the best ideas and work get done over lunch and casual conversations.

3. Empower - It’s essential to remember to empower and elevate everyone - allow people to make as many decisions as possible on their own and with others. Encourage people to share the problems they see need to be addressed and let them help discover the solution. There really is a leader in every seat.

4. Asking questions with an open mind, open heart, and positive attitude - Ask the right questions. They aren’t always easy yet they’re important. Become comfortable asking tough questions with kindness and compassion so we can achieve the results we want. Work to avoid the”Why” questions only because it’s so easy to put people on the defensive. When people hear the word “why”so many times they think they are being “questioned” when in reality most of the time people are asking for a deeper understanding or more information. I love the”what” questions help everyone to gain the information needed while not putting people on the defensive.

A few questions you may want to ask yourself and your peers when creating the culture you want are:

 What do you want to stop doing and start doing to create the culture your team wants and for it to thrive?

 What “space” do you want to create for your workday?

 What’s your team’s purpose?

 What do you want your culture to look like?

 How do you want it to feel like?

 What are all of us and what am I willing to do to create a culture of trust, etc.?

 Am I listening to the other person and hearing what they are saying? My mom used to tell me I have two ears and one mouth. Open the two twice as much as you open the one. In other words listen and focus on what the other person is saying. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone, it does mean you demonstrate you appreciate what they bring and are willing to listen

For example during one of my years serving on the ICF Iowa Board of Directors, our Membership Task Force conducted a survey of our members in order to discover what was important to them and how we could better serve them. We asked questions. We listen to their suggestions and developed and kept some of the following activities they shared were important to them: virtual programs for our educational meetings, new member orientation, in-person networking events, slide show promoting what coaching has to offer and projects with non-profits.


5. Together, establish trust and talk with one another - tell someone how awesome they are or what an amazing job they did. This is where telling is great. Listening is important too but that’s for a different blog. I’m confident leaders hear what needs to be changed etc. etc. etc. It’s also important to share what is going well with leaders. If you see something, say something - that also means say something complimentary. Instead of always telling people what a great job someone else did - share with the person what an awesome job they did. Create Team norms together. Share with each other what you need, what you want and what you’re willing and able to do.


6. Enjoying the work day and culture you and your team have created is done by evaluating how things are working. Evaluate - Dr. Phil is always asking “so how’s it working for you ?” He encourages us to keep doing it if it’s working and if it’s not - change it. Talk thing over with peers. Change what needs to be changed and celebrate the wins. Enjoy working with one another and appreciate what each brings to the day. Have fun throughout the day even when working hard. Host birthday celebrations, potlucks, or maybe Zoom lunch together if you’re working hybrid or remote.

Remember - Create the workday you and your team want. Every day is an opportunity to make it a great day.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It Does.”

-William James