How Leaders and Managers Shape Team Culture

Creating a healthy, productive team culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built—deliberately—by the people at the top. Whether you're called a leader, a manager, or something in between, your everyday actions play a big role in shaping how your team communicates, solves problems, and supports each other. That’s why understanding leadership and management isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

What Is Team Culture, Really?

Team culture is the feel of the team—the way people interact, how decisions are made, and how work gets done. It’s the unspoken vibe in meetings, how people treat setbacks, and whether folks feel safe to speak up or suggest new ideas.

Every team has a culture. The question is: is it one that helps people do their best work, or one that holds them back?

The Leadership and Management Connection

Leaders inspire. Managers organize. Both are critical to a strong team culture.

Good leaders:

• Set the tone for trust and openness

• Encourage big-picture thinking

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes

• Lead by example, especially in tough times

Good managers:

• Create structure and clarity

• Make sure responsibilities are clear

• Provide tools and support

• Keep the team grounded and on track

When leadership and management are balanced, teams thrive. People know what’s expected, but they also feel motivated and valued.

How Leaders Shape Culture

1. Through Their Words and Actions

How you talk, what you prioritize, and the way you handle conflict all send a message. If you stay calm under pressure, your team will too. If you listen more than you talk, your team will feel heard.

2. By Setting a Vision

Culture isn’t just about being nice—it’s about having a shared purpose. When leaders communicate the why behind the work, people feel more connected to what they’re doing.

3. By Encouraging Growth

When leaders push their teams to learn, take risks, and try new things, the culture becomes one of development, not fear.

How Managers Influence Culture

1. By Building Trust

Consistency builds trust. Managers who follow through, support their teams, and give credit where it’s due create an atmosphere of respect.

2. Through Systems and Processes

Clear roles, regular check-ins, and feedback loops help teams feel steady and supported. That kind of structure encourages creativity instead of stifling it.

3. By Responding to Issues Quickly

When problems get addressed instead of ignored, people feel safe. Managers who handle problems fairly build a culture of accountability.

Daily Habits That Shape Culture

Want to create a better team culture? Here are some simple, daily actions rooted in strong leadership and management:

• Start meetings with quick personal check-ins.

• Recognize small wins, not just big ones.

• Ask your team for input, and actually use it.

• Be clear about expectations and deadlines.

• Talk openly about challenges and celebrate resilience.

Culture Can’t Be Faked

People notice what you reward, ignore, or let slide. If your values say “teamwork” but you praise individual heroes, that’s the culture you’ll get. If you talk about “work-life balance” but send emails at midnight, your team won’t feel balanced.

Authenticity matters. Strong cultures come from leaders and managers who walk the talk

A Real-World Example

At GCLEAD, we’ve worked with teams across industries. One manager shared how a small change—starting each team meeting by asking "what’s one thing that’s going well this week?"—shifted their entire culture. Morale improved, and people started opening up more, leading to better collaboration.

Another leader introduced a monthly "team learning hour," where someone shares a new tool or skill. It became something the team looked forward to, and it fostered a sense of growth and shared success.

Final Thoughts

Culture isn’t a one-time project. It’s shaped in everyday moments. And it depends deeply on how leadership and management show up each day.

If you’re leading or managing (or both), you’re already shaping your team’s culture—whether you mean to or not. The good news? With awareness and intention, you can shape a culture that supports everyone to do their best work and grow together.

Because in the end, great team culture isn’t built by chance—it’s built by people who care enough to lead and manage well, every day.