Overcoming Toxic Cultures: How Belonging And Authenticity Fuel Terrific Performance
Spotlight on the Challenge
Marcus Rashford faced a tough road after struggling to find form at Manchester United and eventually being dropped from the team.
But his recent brace against Newcastle for Barcelona hints at a fresh start.
The question is – how much has the club’s culture shaped this turnaround?
Thriving in a Culture of Support
Barcelona’s environment isn’t just about tactics – it’s about people. Rashford credits the club for helping him feel valued and supported. This culture nurtures confidence and resilience. Feeling part of a team that believes in you can change everything.
Owen Eastwood, in his book Belonging, emphasises that belonging isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s fundamental. It lowers anxiety, builds confidence, and fosters resilience. When individuals feel they truly belong, their stress falls and energy rises. This provides a powerful mental edge.
From my experience working with teams in business and sport, feeling safe and part of a tribe helps us be authentic, to bring our true selves, and that’s when we’re at our best.
By contrast, the culture he came from appears more traditional, authoritarian, and hierarchical, with intense pressure and scrutiny. This can leave players feeling less emotionally supported.
Rashford’s emerging growth at Barcelona shows how feeling genuinely accepted – the core of belonging – can be a game-changer for performance.
“They make me feel like I belong and push me to be better every day.”
SPOTLIGHT: enhancING individual and team performance
Be yourself, skilfully
One powerful tool I use to help build strong performance cultures is the Spotlight Personality Profile.
It supports performance and wellbeing by unlocking mindset awareness and behavioural adaptability.
Combining personality profiling with performance psychology, helps me support individuals and teams to understand natural strengths and areas for growth.
This insight fosters greater self-awareness, enhances psychological flexibility, and improves collaboration – all vital for success in today’s fast-paced environments.
Key Takeaways for Leaders in Business and Sport
Create a sense of belonging: Foster environments where every individual feels valued and accepted. This builds trust and motivation.
Prioritise psychological safety: Encourage open communication and support taking risks without fear of judgement.
Lead with empathy: Understand your team’s personal challenges and support their wellbeing to strengthen engagement.
Set clear roles and expectations: Provide clarity through defined responsibilities and transparent communication to enhance cohesion.
Cultivate mental flexibility: Encourage adaptability and resilience in response to changing conditions and challenges.
Celebrate and showcase culture: Praise behaviours that reflect your values and find tangible ways to express your unique culture through rituals or symbols
Which outcome will your culture deliver?
How is your current environment shaping your performance?
Unlock your full potential with personalised, evidence-based performance psychology.
Don’t let mental barriers stop you, or your team, from achieving the success you deserve.
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