explore · Team Building, Strategy · 60–90 min · 4-12 people · medium energy

Define Your Purpose and Culture

This method guides teams in defining their purpose (why they exist) and their culture (how they work together). By codifying these elements, teams can become more focused, aligned, and effective in achieving their goals.

When to use Define Your Purpose and Culture

Use this method when a team is newly formed, undergoing a significant change, or struggling with alignment and focus.

What it solves

Lack of clarity about team purpose; misaligned values and behaviors; low team morale.

How to run Define Your Purpose and Culture, step by step

  1. Introduce the concept of purpose and culture and explain their importance to team success. (10 minutes)
  2. Share examples of purpose and culture statements from other companies to inspire the team. (10 minutes)
  3. Have participants individually brainstorm their thoughts on the team's purpose and culture. (20 minutes)
  4. Facilitate a discussion to reach a consensus on the team's purpose and culture statements. (30 minutes)
  5. Create a visual representation of the team's purpose and culture. (10 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard
  • Markers or virtual pens
  • Examples of purpose and culture statements from other companies

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to be authentic and honest in their contributions.
  • Focus on creating a purpose statement that is inspiring and meaningful.
  • Ensure that the culture statement reflects the team's values and behaviors.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may struggle to articulate the team's purpose. Provide prompts and examples to help them get started.
  • The discussion may become abstract and theoretical. Ground the conversation in concrete examples and behaviors.

Variations

  • Use a different framework or model for defining purpose and culture.
  • Have participants create a visual representation of the team's purpose and culture using images or metaphors.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a virtual whiteboard to collaboratively document the team's purpose and culture. Encourage participants to share examples from other companies using the chat function or by sharing their screen.

What it produces

A visual representation of the team's purpose and culture that can be displayed in the team's workspace.

Origin

N/A — source

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