Setting the right tone at work

By Sharine Sample

Every workplace has a “feel” to it. You’ve probably noticed this in your past jobs, even if you couldn’t put your finger on what made the workplace different. Even if only subconsciously, we pick up on things like how colleagues treat one another and how well the team is managed.

This feel, or tone, is the general atmosphere or attitude in the workplace. The “right” tone is one that produces the results you need while supporting employees’ growth and needs.

Setting the right tone in your workplace is important for many reasons. The tone helps convey to every member of the team what is expected of them; for example, taking accountability for their actions, being respectful of others, and contributing to the team’s goals. Setting this tone produces a positive, stable environment, which improves employees’ morale and performance.

Creating the right tone is well within your control, regardless of your role on your team. If you are leading the team, it is your responsibility to know what tone you want to set and to communicate to your team the behaviors that help maintain a positive work culture. Everyone on the team should understand how their actions contribute to this culture.

While tone is often unspoken, I encourage you to intentionally define a tone so that everyone on the team understands what behaviors are expected. Here are a few tips to help you set the right tone at work:

• Define your vision. This takes some thought. Brainstorm about what successes you’re working toward and how you and your team will get there – together. Your vision, overall goals and desired outcomes will help determine the tone you wish to set.
• Model your expectations. The best way to let your team know what you expect from them is to honor those expectations yourself. Model the right attitude and be transparent, and you’ll not only reinforce expectations, but also build your credibility.
• Set goals. The right tone helps the team work to their best ability; everyone on the team needs to understand the specific goals you’re aiming for. Set SMART goals and benchmarks, then determine a timeframe for reaching them.
• Communication is key. Most snags in a plan boil down to communication, so make it a priority. Positive and proactive communication not only helps your team understand what is expected of them. It also helps them feel comfortable giving you (and each other) feedback.
• Set check-ins. Don’t communicate only when you need something. Plan ahead of time to have check-ins with the full team and individuals. Having a regular status check helps everyone stay on track with their assignments. Just as importantly, check-ins give you and your team the chance to voice questions, comments or concerns. Stick with your check-in schedule and try not to rearrange it.
• Empower your team. Your team has perspective that you do not – so, listen to what they have to say about potential problems and possible solutions. Brainstorm together about plans of action and what success looks like. Encourage them and provide the necessary resources to help them achieve their goals.
• Celebrate! Acknowledging your team’s successes is crucial to maintaining a positive environment and culture. This is always the most fun step in setting the tone with your team and they will appreciate you for it.

You may be thinking, what if you are not in a leadership role? You can still set a tone with your coworkers when you communicate respectfully, act professionally, and hold yourself accountable for your actions. Even if you’re not “in charge,” your tone may influence others to follow your example.

Remember, the best way to establish a positive tone is to start with yourself, regardless of your role.  Hopefully by following these helpful tips and strategies on setting the right tone, you and your team will achieve excellence in no time!

Sharine Sample is the Regional Workforce Development Manager at Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. Learn more about Goodwill’s employment services here.