Building the Right IT Culture

One of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned over the years has nothing to do with technology or business—it comes from coaching youth lacrosse.

This season has been a great reminder that talent isn’t what makes a team successful. Culture is.

For more than a decade, I’ve leaned on the work of Guttman Development Strategies, Inc. when building teams. Their approach starts with trust and feedback, which creates accountability and ownership.

I’ve seen it work in IT organizations. Teams that were disconnected become aligned around a common goal and start taking ownership of outcomes together.

What’s interesting is that the exact same thing happens with a group of 7th and 8th graders.

The teams that thrive aren’t always the most talented. They’re the teams where players feel responsible for each other’s success, where positivity outweighs negativity, and where leaders set the tone.

One of the best things a coach can do is empower a few captains who consistently model a team-first attitude. Culture is contagious. When the right kids lead the right way with common values, everyone gets better.

Whether it’s in the workplace or on a lacrosse field, I’ve found the same rule applies:

Culture first. Results second.