Best Startup
Company culture refers to the environment, values, and practices an organization fosters to promote a positive work environment. Research has shown that companies with a healthy culture experience increased employee satisfaction, positive work-life balance, and achieve better results overall. Consider these three popular TV shows that feature positive company culture.
Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso is a heartwarming Apple TV comedy series that follows an American football coach who unexpectedly finds himself coaching a struggling English soccer team. Lasso (played by Jason Sudeikis) brings his unconventional coaching style from the US to the UK, believing in the power of enthusiasm, support, and individual care.
The team culture that Lasso fosters centers around the belief that leaders should deeply care about individual employees, encourage their growth, and “have their backs.” This is evident when he spends time getting to know each player and offers them a personalized, human touch. Through Ted’s leadership, the team members learn to trust, support, and build each other up, ultimately leading to immense growth and success both on and off the field.
Chicago Fire
The high-octane drama, Chicago Fire, follows the lives of the firefighters and paramedics stationed at Firehouse 51. Despite the tense and life-threatening situations they face daily, the supportive, family-style culture of the firehouse is particularly uplifting.
Chief Boden (played by Eamonn Walker) fosters a positive firehouse culture by consistently promoting teamwork and camaraderie. He encourages open communication, expressions of gratitude, and celebration of accomplishments. This culture significantly impacts overall firefighter satisfaction and well-being, even during high-stress situations. You can binge Chicago Fire on Peacock.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation is a hilarious, mockumentary-style comedy series that chronicles the daily operations of the parks department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. The show features an ensemble cast of eccentric characters led by the exceptionally devoted and energetic Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler).
Leslie’s relentless pursuit of public service and her commitment to her employees foster a company culture focused on employee growth and success, even when the employees are resistant or contrary. With a hands-on and nurturing approach, Leslie creates a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to make a difference. This widely popular TV show is a perfect example of how investing in employees and building a positive environment can lead to great results.
These are lighthearted examples of leaders who work to maintain positive workplace cultures. Still, leaders in both established businesses and start-ups across different industries can seek to learn valuable lessons on fostering a strong company culture from these depictions. They’ll find that a positive company culture is not only great for TV but can also be the key to your organization’s success.
