Why Team Culture Is More Powerful Than Company Culture

Culture happens inside-out, not just top-down

Marusya Wrobel (Russia)/Stocksy

The culture of your organization is the sum of all subcultures. Every interaction shapes your culture – from meetings to team rituals. Each team contributes with its own unique touch, shaping the overall culture.

So, what’s more important: company or team culture? As someone who helps both teams and organizations improve their culture, we could debate this forever.

The truth is team culture doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s the key catalyst for change within organizations.

Sure, company culture sets the stage, but team culture shapes the protagonists. The smaller the group, the greater the sense of belonging we feel. The closer the culture is to the work, the more relevant and powerful it becomes.

Focusing on team culture can boost the overarching company culture and bring meaningful change from within, one team at a time.

The Power of Subcultures

Subcultures have a bad rap in the workplace. They’ve become the culprit for consultants and leaders alike. …