In this episode of the How to Lead Podcast, Clay and Ryan Bradley discuss the importance of establishing team norms and fostering a culture of trust and communication within organizations.

Ryan shares his journey from athletics to higher education leadership, emphasizing the need for clear expectations and shared values to enhance team dynamics. The conversation highlights practical strategies for creating a supportive work environment, including the significance of overcommunication and celebrating team successes.

Ryan encourages leaders to engage their teams in defining norms that resonate with their unique organizational culture, ultimately aiming to empower individuals to thrive in their roles.

Takeaways

• Team norms are essential for creating a cohesive work environment.
• Clear expectations foster trust among team members.
• Overcommunication is crucial, especially during challenging times.
• Defining core values helps guide team behavior.
• Celebrating unsung heroes reinforces positive team dynamics.
• Leaders should focus on empowering their teams rather than enforcing rules.
• An iterative approach to team norms allows for continuous improvement.
• Engaging the team in discussions about norms enhances buy-in and commitment.
• Shared expectations can prevent misunderstandings and frustrations.
• A strong culture is built on trust, communication, and collaboration.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Team Leadership

01:33 Ryan Bradley's Journey in Leadership

03:48 Transitioning to Vice President Role

05:39 Establishing Team Norms

09:22 The Importance of Trust and Shared Expectations

12:37 Defining Core Values and Team Norms

14:51 Creating a Culture of Overcommunication

18:21 Celebrating Team Successes

20:14 Practical Applications of Team Norms

26:33 Encouragement for Team Leaders

Growing older is automatic. Growing up isn't.

I've noticed there are a few childish instincts I still haven't completely grown out of. I’m just better at hiding them now. 😂

In this episode, I unpack three:

I want it now.
What about me?!
I'm telling!

They show up differently as adults—in impatience, comparison, envy, gossip, and avoiding hard conversations—but the instincts aren't all that different.

Maybe maturity isn't getting to the point where those instincts disappear. Maybe it's getting better at recognizing them when they show up—and learning not to let them drive.

Because growing older is automatic. Growing up isn't.

Can you be friends with the people you lead—and still hold them accountable?

Lauren Seymour believes you can. And she has some credibility on the subject.

Lauren leads a team of roughly 600–700 people at Insulet, and she’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever watched when it comes to building genuine relationships while still having hard conversations and holding people accountable.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Why relationships can actually make accountability easier
• How to give difficult feedback without crushing someone
• The difference between authenticity and oversharing
• Lauren’s “trust triangle” for involving her team in decisions
• How to lead people you don’t naturally connect with
• What to do when you and your boss probably aren’t going to be BFFs

If you lead people—or work for someone who does—there’s a lot here you can put to work immediately.

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