Blog
Creating a place we want to belong: Why team culture matters just as much as business results
Written by Sophie Hughes – Head of Client Services at CI Group
Anybody who works in marketing and events will recognise just how demanding and fast-paced the industry is. The pressure to deliver results and move quickly from one project to the next is something familiar to all of us. While achieving strong business results is essential, I believe that the environment we create for our people is equally critical. In light of being recently shortlisted for ‘Manager of the Year – Reseller/Solutions Provider’ in the CRN Women & Diversity in the Channel Awards, I was asked to share reflections on the kind of leadership that creates genuine success – for our people, clients, and the business as a whole.
As Head of Client Services, I juggle many things – from team morale and recruitment to resourcing, margins, pitches, and supplier commercials. But as the saying goes, ‘No man is an island’ and I don’t claim to have all the answers or deliver results single handedly. Instead, I rely on a capable, empowered team, creating an environment where people feel trusted and valued. When they do, they bring greater energy and ownership to their work, and the impact of that culture is clear to me – in both morale and results.
If you asked me what people-first management looks like to me, I would say it starts with open communication, empowerment, and respect. As well as team huddles, I see one-on-ones as opportunities to understand not just what people are working on, but how they are feeling. Each person has their own unique strength, needs and potential, so people first management might involve encouraging team members to collaborate on a project, share ideas and challenges, or train up a colleague. Giving people ownership and trust, whether managing client projects or leading new initiatives, is also crucial. And never underestimate the power of celebrating everyday wins – making employees feel seen, saying ‘well done’ or ‘thank you for your hard work’ goes a very long way.
These actions build a culture where people not only feel appreciated and motivated but also invested in each other’s success and shared goals – the magic formula for both individuals and the organisation to really thrive together.
Over the past year, the Corporate Innovations team at CI Group have delivered over 1,000 events and activations in the IT channel. This is a feat we’re incredibly proud of – even if on occasion it felt like being in a pressure cooker. Achievements like this should be celebrated, but delivering exceptional business results should never mean sacrificing our wellbeing.
I’m a big advocate of finding time for the team to decompress and feel rewarded after intense delivery periods, whether it’s with a team lunch or an impromptu ice cream run. A healthy work-life balance isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a fundamental part of building a modern, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Flexible working, taking time in lieu, taking breaks during the working week, all fuel creativity, long-term motivation and helps people bring their best selves to work – consistently and sustainably. For Poppy this might look like an early run and start to her working day, for Jo perhaps a lunchtime walk with her pup Nyla. You’ll probably find Flick and I in the pub!
Remember those ‘pressure cooker’ moments I just mentioned? I speak from experience when I say that by implementing these kinds of healthy practices from the top down, your team will feel a whole lot better equipped to deal with these when they come along.
I want to sign this off by giving a huge shoutout to my incredible Corporate Innovations team – Jo, Felicite, Poppy, Katie, Megan and Olivia. You’re all absolute powerhouses and a privilege to work with. And on that note, one final reflection from me – let’s all remember how rewarding it feels to be part of a team that genuinely shows up for one another, and keep working to create the kind of culture that makes our team a place we want to belong.
Let’s Talk – marketing@cigroup.co.uk