Working with your own team

Even if there is no interest from others in the company, do not give up. You can act now with your own team and begin to create a great team culture.

You need to find out how people are experiencing work-life at present. Before you begin the conversations, make sure that you are willing to act on what you hear. If colleagues are making requests in relation to something you cannot influence - eg pay scales - be clear about it and pass the information on to the relevant people. When you do have influence, be sure to act - or explain why you are not doing so - or you will be further back than you are now. A prime feature of great company culture is ‘walking the talk' - and if you express an interest but do nothing, you will create a sense of disillusionment that will cost you in the long term.

When you are ready to, bring your team together and talk with them about their life at work. The emphasis needs to be on your ears - listen carefully, ask questions to make sure you understand exactly what is being said, including their ideas for action. You do not have to do this all alone - that is the point. You create the great team culture with them, not for them.

Remember: your job is to create an environment in which they can do their best work - your most frequent question must be ‘What can I do to help you?'

Keep a diary of what happens, so that you can talk other people through it when they ask what you are doing differently.