Define Purpose and Culture
This method guides teams in defining their purpose (why they exist) and their culture (how they work together). By clarifying these fundamental elements, teams can become more focused, aligned, and effective.
Use this method when a team is newly formed, experiencing conflict, or needs to reconnect with its core values.
Solves: Lack of clarity about team purpose; conflicting values; ineffective communication and collaboration.
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Step 1: Introduce the importance of purpose and culture in teamwork. (10 min)
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Step 2: Share examples of purpose statements and cultural values from other companies. (15 min)
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Step 3: Have participants individually brainstorm ideas for the team's purpose and culture. (20 min)
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Step 4: Facilitate a discussion to synthesize the individual ideas into a shared purpose statement and a set of cultural values. (60 min)
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Step 5: Document the purpose statement and cultural values in a visual format that can be displayed in the team's workspace. (15 min)
- Encourage participants to be authentic and honest in their contributions.
- Focus on creating a purpose statement that is inspiring and meaningful.
- Ensure that the cultural values are actionable and reflect the team's desired behavior.
- Use a card sorting activity to prioritize cultural values.
- Have participants create a visual representation of the team's purpose and culture.