In today’s ever-changing workplace, teams often find themselves navigating uncharted waters. Whether it’s adapting to new technology, managing remote work dynamics, or facing economic uncertainties, the challenges are real. But the question is: How do some teams not only survive but actually thrive under such conditions?
The answer lies in understanding key concepts like resilience, trust, and kindness. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the building blocks for creating a culture where teams flourish. Here’s a glimpse into what Thriving means and why it matters, with actionable insights you can implement today.
What Does It Mean to Thrive?
Thriving isn’t about doing the bare minimum to get through the day. It’s about prospering, growing, and approaching challenges with energy and vitality. A thriving team feels engaged, supported, and empowered to take risks and innovate.
In contrast, surviving teams often feel stuck, reacting to problems rather than proactively seeking solutions. Over time, this can lead to burnout, low morale, and diminished productivity. Thriving, on the other hand, creates momentum—a culture where individuals and organisations excel.
Why Thriving Matters
The benefits of thriving extend far beyond individual happiness. Thriving teams are:
- Healthier: They experience less stress and burnout, which translates to fewer sick days.
- More Resilient: They bounce back from setbacks with ease, finding opportunities even in failure.
- Highly Productive: With clear focus and a sense of purpose, thriving teams achieve more in less time.
Organisations that prioritise a thriving culture see higher employee retention, greater innovation, and better results.
Resilience: The Key to Overcoming Challenges
Every team encounters rocky ground at some point—whether it’s a tough project, economic pressures, or interpersonal conflicts. The ability to weather these storms depends largely on resilience.
Psychological Safety: Resilient teams feel safe to voice ideas, admit mistakes, and ask for help without fear of judgement. This safety net encourages openness and fosters creative problem-solving.
Reframing Mistakes: Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re learning opportunities. One inspiring story comes from a leader who sent flowers to a team member after they made a costly mistake. The message? “We value your courage to try something new.” This approach cultivates curiosity over fear, encouraging innovation.
Trust and Kindness: The Glue That Holds Teams Together
Thriving teams share one critical trait: trust. Without it, collaboration falters, and progress slows.
Trust as Rocket Fuel: Trust accelerates everything—from decision-making to execution. Teams with high trust levels work faster, communicate better, and experience fewer bottlenecks.
The Power of Kindness: Kindness builds empathy, which in turn strengthens trust. But kindness isn’t just about being “nice.” It’s about showing respect, understanding, and accountability. For example, being kind means having honest conversations when something’s not working, rather than avoiding conflict.
When kindness and trust form the foundation of a team, they create a cycle of growth, connection, and collaboration.
Shifting the Focus: People First, Work Second
One of the biggest shifts organisations can make is adopting a “people first, work second” mindset. When team members feel valued and supported, their engagement skyrockets, and the quality of their work improves.
This doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations or slacking on deadlines—it means prioritising the well-being of the team as the first step to achieving results.
Kindness vs Niceness: While niceness might avoid difficult discussions, kindness confronts them with empathy and respect. This distinction helps teams grow stronger, fostering authentic relationships that last.
Creating a thriving team isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes intentional effort, the right strategies, and a commitment to continuous growth. That’s exactly what the Thriving Teams in Tricky Times workshop is designed to deliver.
But you don’t have to wait to get started—here’s your chance to see what it’s all about.
Check out the video below as a preview of the full workshop. This 30-minute session is packed with practical strategies to:
- Build resilience and navigate challenges with confidence.
- Foster trust and kindness to strengthen team collaboration.
- Shift from “survival mode” to thriving, driving innovation and growth.
If you find the video helpful, imagine what the full workshop could do for your team!
