In my research and experience, I’ve identified six common setbacks, or “Culture Killers” as I call them, to be aware of in your quest to create a winning culture. I’m sure you have experienced all of these at some point:

EGO ― It’s all about “me!” When one person or a group of people care more about who gets the credit than in a “team-first” philosophy. A team of “me” thinkers instead of “we” thinkers creates a major productivity and creativity roadblock. Do you care more about your achievements or those of the team?

COMPARISON ― When someone wants others to fail so that they can excel, ignoring the old adage that “a rising tide lifts all ships.” As we work to build habits of excellence, it’s important to recognize your impact and role as a leader. When you focus on elevating and strengthening your own mental toughness, those around you are both inspired and motivated to change their own mindset. You have more influence than you realize!

EXCUSES ― When people in your organization justify, defend, or rationalize negative actions or behaviors, believing them to be acceptable rather than taking ownership. Excuses are issued when rules, values, or even trust is broken. Excuses are like a virus that can infect and negatively affect a team. By recognizing and accepting responsibility for negative situations, it allows room for growth and understanding. Instead of burning bridges by making excuses, put the ego aside.

LAZINESS ― A lack of buy-in. You can also file “apathy” under this Culture Killer—when people don’t show up or they have a complete lack of commitment. When someone is interested and not committed (as demonstrated in the introduction). One of my favorite NFL players, JJ Watt says, “Success isn’t owned. It’s leased. And rent is due every day.” How committed are you to owning your success every day?

LACK OF COMMUNICATION ― When there’s assumptions or insufficient communication on one end, it affects the giver and the receiver. Communication is a two-way street. The way a team communicates can make or break the performance of the overall unit. Developing habits that offer long-term efficiency and team cohesiveness are the KEY to transforming your culture from “culture killer” to KILLER CULTURE!

LACK OF TRUST ― When someone does not sincerely trust the intent or integrity of the leader or the organization, then it’s virtually impossible to reach consistent success. The values, morals and ethical viewpoints of an organization must be held and enforced by those in leadership positions. Without the example of a leader, how do you expect the rest of the group to “buy in” to your goals?

To steal a leadership and culture tactic from best selling author and successful entrepreneur Jesse Itzler, let’s practice the 3 C’s of Impactful Leadership:

• Proactively COMPLEMENT your team members when you notice something unique about them, if they are helping the team, or giving great effort.
• CONGRATULATE them and celebrate their wins.  Be intentional about praising their success and continue to cheer them on.
• When things get challenging or difficult, CONSOLE them by displaying empathy, availability, and support them through that adversity.
• Which one of these three do you plan on prioritizing?
• Who is someone on your team, family, or friend group that could use one of these three C’s? Be the type of leader that you want to see in others. A great culture always starts with YOU.

Quiet Mind is the blueprint you need to get out of your own way, gain clarity on what you want, and build a system to get there. Written by top rated speaker, mental performance coach, and founder of Master Your Mindset, Collin Henderson, the goal of this book is to help you find inner-peace, confidence, and maximize the most powerful tool you have to execute your goals: your mind.