Can Neuroscience Rewire Workplace Norms for Team Success?
Have you ever noticed how some teams hum with energy, creativity, and cohesion, while others feel stuck in a cycle of tension and mediocrity?
There can be significant differences between the teams I have the privilege of working with.
In my last newsletter, I mentioned a great organisation I had recently worked with, a workplace that has very low staff turnover, high levels of engagement, manageable expectations and an excellent, above-the-line leadership team that inspires a great culture.
The difference between a high performing team and a mediocre one, often lies beneath the surface—in the workplace norms that dictate how people interact, collaborate, and communicate.
But here’s the exciting part: neuroscience tells us that these norms aren’t set in stone. Just as we can rewire our brains, we can also reshape the cultural wiring of our teams. By understanding how the brain responds to workplace dynamics, leaders can create an environment where everyone thrives.
The Brain’s Role in Workplace Norms
Our brains are constantly scanning for safety and connection. When people feel psychologically unsafe—perhaps because of criticism, exclusion, or unclear expectations—the brain’s fight-or-flight response takes over. In this state, collaboration and creativity are suppressed as the brain prioritises self-protection over innovation.
On the flip side, when workplace norms foster trust and belonging, the brain releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes connection and cooperation. Teams in these environments are more likely to share ideas, tackle challenges together, and achieve their goals.
Where Norms Go Wrong
Workplace norms often emerge unintentionally, shaped by unspoken behaviours or habits.
When these norms go unchecked, they can create toxic patterns like:
Avoidance: People shy away from honest conversations to avoid conflict.
Exclusion: Certain voices dominate, leaving others unheard.
Blame: Mistakes are met with criticism rather than curiosity.
These below-the-line behaviours erode trust and set the stage for a team culture that’s resistant to growth.
Rewiring Norms for Success
The good news is that leaders have the power to rewire these norms. Here’s how:
1. Set the Tone for Safety
Model vulnerability by modelling how to be a humble learner, admitting your mistakes and encouraging others to do the same. When leaders show it’s okay to be human, it normalises risk-taking and honesty.
2. Reinforce Positive Interactions
Celebrate collaboration and kindness just as much as outcomes. Recognise team members who actively contribute to a positive culture.
3. Create Space for All Voices
In meetings, invite quieter team members to share their ideas. Use techniques like round-robin sharing to ensure everyone is heard.
4. Focus on Learning, Not Blame
When mistakes happen, ask, “What can we learn from this?” instead of “Who’s at fault?” This shift rewires the team’s approach to challenges and builds resilience.
5. Build Clarity Together
Work with your team to define the norms you want to live by. Clear, shared expectations make it easier to hold each other accountable.
The Ripple Effect
When leaders actively reshape workplace norms, the ripple effects are transformative. Teams become more engaged, creative, and aligned with their goals. Individuals feel valued and supported, which leads to higher retention and morale.
Remember: workplace norms are like the pathways in a forest. With consistent effort, you can clear new trails that guide your team toward success.
So, here’s the question: Are your workplace norms helping your team thrive—or holding them back? If it’s the latter, what’s one norm you’d like to rewire today?