How to Cultivate a Positive + Productive Work Environment
As someone who has managed teams of 4 to 16 for over the last eight years, I have learned so much about what it really takes to cultivate a positive and productive work environment — and what leads to burnout and toxicity. Like with most things, you have to experience the spectrum in order to land somewhere balanced, where you have guidelines that are supportive, not restrictive, and your team feels empowered in their roles, not stifled or controlled. Here’s a bit about my journey and my top tips for cultivating an environment where your team and business can thrive.
Let’s rewind
After spending three years as the manager/general manager for kickboxing studios with a team of over 16 coaches and trainers, I learned so much about what it means to be a good leader. At the beginning, I was lucky to have one on one training with experts in running teams and fitness studios. One thing I know how to do really well is follow instructions, and navigating a franchise business was the perfect place for me to flourish. I took in everything my mentors had to say to run the top franchise in the country. I won two awards for my leadership abilities and high retention rate at my studios. People stayed at our studio because they loved our team, and that was one of the most rewarding parts of the job!
Lessons in leadership
I believe leadership is about jumping in the ring (or in this case, on the mat!) with your team. From mopping floors to teaching classes to selling memberships, I didn't opt out of any part of the process I was asking them to do. However, I certainly was not perfect. Doing all the typical instructor tasks plus all of the management and revenue sides of the business was A LOT. I was working a ton, commuting back and forth to Memphis from Nashville every two weeks, and by the end, running on fumes. When you’re burnt out and not in a good head space, it’s hard to be a good, present leader, and keep your stresses from leaking out to your team. This taught me the best thing you can do for your team as a manager is to make sure you have the proper support and boundaries you need to be your best self.
Learning what to do by experiencing what NOT to do
Honestly though, the biggest lessons I learned about management came from having bosses that made me feel terrible when mistakes were made and communicated disrespectfully. I now look back with so much understanding and empathy, but when you experience a high anxiety work environment, it's not something you ever forget. I learned how to treat people based on how I didn't appreciate being treated, and perhaps that's the biggest takeaway, especially if you're someone new to management without official training. The golden rule reigns true: treat your team how you would want to be treated. It doesn’t need to be more complicated than that.
Infusing empathy & understanding
Those negative experiences led me to develop a much gentler approach to management that makes everyone happier. I ask questions before assuming when mistakes arise, and I lead with empathy instead of judgment in my response. I take on responsibility instead of blaming my team - an important lesson I learned and took away from my kickboxing manager role. I learned that you can be a "soft" leader, and people will still respect you. I realized that my own mental health and well-being is much more peaceful when I respond with collaborative solutions rather than frustration. As many of us have personally experienced, you don't have to punish anyone or make them feel bad for them to learn from their mistakes. And most importantly, learn to respond instead of react so you can show up in situations as your best self.
Gratitude is key
Keeping morale high is simple: acknowledge and appreciate your team. You don't have to buy elaborate gifts or run challenges (though they can be fun at times). People just want to be seen and appreciated for what they do! Not to mention, paid accordingly. Hopefully that is a given! You also want to give them a path for increased earning potential and growth. Personally, my motivation has fallen off a cliff any time I feel stifled in a role. You want them to know you believe in them and their potential, and in return you’ll get the reward of their loyalty and talent!
Happy team = thriving business
One of the greatest rewards of my career has been cultivating wonderful relationships with the people I work with. I love collaborating with others who have different perspectives, talents and ideas, and have found that by asking how I can support people and highlighting their strengths, I see their confidence and skills grow. At the end of the day, the people we work with play a huge role in our happiness and quality of life. It’s so important to cultivate an environment where everyone feels empowered, supported and seen. Communicating with respect and having a solutions-focused approaches to problems can benefit your team and your business.
