how to build a culture to deliver your mission
Culture is Made by Having an Inspiring Mission
If your company culture is not spicy as jerk chicken, it’s probably missing one key ingredient—an inspiring mission and vibe. A strong culture isn’t just about casual Fridays or fancy office coffee; it’s about a vision that people actually feel. When your mission is real, your team moves with purpose—because they’re not just working; they’re building something bigger than themselves. As Kendrick Lamar once said, “We gon’ be alright.” Your company isn’t just a place—it’s a movement.
So, how do you make your mission more than just words on a wall? Let’s break it down with three ways to turn your mission into action, featuring some takeways along the way.
Let’s Dive In
1. Figure Out How Your Teams Like to Connect
A strong mission doesn’t just sit in a PowerPoint—it lives in the way people work together. If you want your mission to be more than a corporate slogan, you need to tap into how your team naturally connects.
Key Points:
Create shared rituals and traditions that bring your mission to life (think daily stand-ups, weekly wins, or open-forum discussions).
Encourage team bonding beyond work—whether it’s happy hours, volunteer work, or friendly competitions, connection fuels commitment.
CultureSparq Example:
At Nike, their mission to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world” is reflected in their workplace culture. From their wellness-focused work environment to their emphasis on teamwork and competition, Nike ensures employees embody their mission beyond just work projects.
Lyric Drop: “Love is my religion” — Ziggy Marley. When teams believe in something bigger than their job descriptions, they show up differently.
2. Figure Out How Your Teams Like to Be Communicated To
Your mission means nothing if it gets lost in translation. The best leaders don’t just talk—they listen and adapt their messaging so it actually lands.
Key Points:
Some teams vibe with direct, high-energy messaging, while others need a softer, more thoughtful approach—know your audience.
Use a mix of communication methods (meetings, video messages, Slack updates) to reach everyone where they are.
Keep it real. People can spot corporate fluff from a mile away. Authenticity wins every time.
CultureSparq Example:
Lululemon thrives on open and mindful communication, using their “SweatLife” culture to ensure their mission of “elevating the world through well-being” is understood across all levels of the company. Their transparent leadership style and focus on employee development reinforce their mission.
Lyric Drop: “It’s not what you say, it’s what you do” — Public Enemy. Your team will trust your mission more if they see it in action, not just in emails.
3. Figure Out How to Get Your Teams to Achieve the Mission
Your mission won’t mean much if it doesn’t translate into results. Great leaders create an environment where teams want to make things happen.
Key Points:
Set clear, measurable goals that align with the mission—because “be inspiring” is nice, but “increase community impact by 20%” is actionable.
Empower employees by giving them autonomy. People need to feel like their contributions matter.
Celebrate the wins—big or small. Recognition fuels momentum.
CultureSparq Example:
At Adidas, their mission to be “the best sports brand in the world” is ingrained in their performance-driven culture. They set clear sustainability and innovation goals, ensuring employees see their work as contributing to a larger impact in sports and beyond.
Lyric Drop: “Started from the bottom, now we’re here” — Drake. When teams see progress, they stay invested in the journey.
Key Takeaways (Because You Love a Quick Recap)
Connection Creates Culture: Build shared experiences that make your mission more than just words.
Communication Matters: Know how your team likes to receive information and make sure your mission isn’t just noise.
Execution is Everything: Set clear goals, empower your people, and celebrate wins to keep momentum alive.
Let’s Wrap Up
An inspiring mission isn’t just a statement—it’s the rhythm and a vibe that keeps your team moving forward. When done right, it turns a company into a movement. So, what’s your mission, and are you making it real? Let’s get to work. 🚀
