Joy

It’s the start of the NBA playoffs and my beloved Golden State Warriors are in it again. It got me thinking how, in many ways, the Dubs are just like a company. What is it that contributes to the unique success of the Dubs? Can that be duplicated?

Coach Steve Kerr preaches a tenet that is so relatable: Joy.

I know that Joy sounds like an unconventional ingredient for building a company’s culture. You’re probably thinking what does having Joy have anything to do with a company’s success. But think about it. If employees aren’t happy, will they produce quality work that they can be proud of? Can you get the team to come together and have each other’s back? Joy enables you to feel passionate about what you do, and Joy is contagious – it gets everyone feeling good about themselves and each other. Ask anyone who’s worked on a high performance team – it’s an amazing experience.

Now you’re asking, how? 

Step One is to share the story – get everyone involved by working towards a common goal. Help employees understand milestones and other important news ie product launches, new tools, new leadership. Be transparent. Keep it real and share the story locker room style.

Step Two is to motivate. Regardless of their role, people want to know what’s in it for them – a chance to learn a new skill or some incentive to exceed performance expectations. Encouraging a culture of growth where employees sense an environment that has confidence in their abilities establishes Joy and retention.

Step Three is to get personal. Building employee relations is important to employees – no one wants to be known just by his/her name, job title/function, or by employee number.

For the last step, connect the dots…a lot. Create a “connective climate” where everyone understands how their contribution is essential to the end result. Togetherness requires mutual trust and the willingness to listen. 

If you think that Joy hasn’t impacted a company in a positive way, let’s talk about Southwest Airlines. Their founder, Herb Kelleher, created one of the most joyful cultures in an industry where success requires rigorous discipline. As for the bottom line, ask the company’s shareholders who have enjoyed 45 consecutive years of profitability. Joy must be doing something right.

Here’s the thing: keep it real. It doesn’t have to be an HR initiative to be effective. Share the corporate story, connect with, challenge and empower your employees – you’ll be amazed how that will deliver new sparks of growth and insight. That’s how you create a true culture of Joy.

It’s your team, your game.