15 Keys of a 'Make it Happen' Team Culture

All of us want to be part of a team that is successful, accomplishes goals and gets things done. But a “make it happen” team culture is only possible if we, as individuals and leaders, are truly committed to do our part in helping create that team culture.
So here are 15 keys I’ve found for how each of us can contribute to that end:

1. Your yes is yes, and your no is no. Do what you say you will do.

2. You take responsibility before being told.

3. Solve problems, and create solutions. Always. Instead of creating problems and delaying solutions.

4. Show up early—for everything. As I tell our team: If you are early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.

5. Always leave meetings with action items and clear next steps.

6. No blaming others.

7. Place a priority on execution, not concepts, moving always toward completion and the finish line rather than just another idea.

8. Create small, nimble teams who work together—no more than three people on a project.

9. Distribute clear lines of authority throughout the organization, always directly connected to responsibility and authority.

10. Encourage working together. Constantly create a collaborative spirit and environment.

11. Model a high trust factor. I have to admit, this one is difficult for me. The “I’ll just do it myself” mentality doesn’t help. 

12. Keep a consistent “leaning in” posture and spirit. Desire to learn, always get better and constantly improve.

13. The leader leads. Whoever the organizational/team leader is, they have to model all of these. Walk the walk, and talk the talk.

14. Let it permeate from the bottom up. A make-it-happen team may have a strong alpha leader, but if the team fears but doesn’t respect that leader, it won’t work. Bottom-up means mutual respect across the organization.

15. Meetings are the exception, not the norm. Meetings for meetings' sake are killing most organizations. Only schedule a meeting if you absolutely have to. And there is nothing wrong with that. But I've found quick stand-up meetings, hall run-ins and collaborative conversations to be way more productive.