Business Book of the Month: The Culture Code

The Culture Code is all about how to bring people together to create a successful team. If you’re in private practice you may think that this is not something that is important for you to read about, but you would be wrong.

Coyle takes an in-depth look at the three skills every group needs for success. Firstly, creating a sense of belonging, safety, and collaboration is key to developing connections in groups. This is done through body language, environment, and communication. In therapy terms: empathy.

Secondly, you want to encourage vulnerability by being vulnerable yourself. Therapists are often seen as “perfect,” but you and I know that that is not true. Being able to model for clients that we don’t know everything and we make mistakes too, allows them to feel safe in opening up as well which deepens the therapeutic relationship.

Lastly, Coyle discusses establishing purpose by communicating where you’re at and where you want to go. This can be done in both creative environments and performance focused environments. Essentially, creating a treatment plan that helps to focus the client’s goals.

If you have a group practice, conduct group therapy, or are a part of any type of group (family counts!), then this book can be exceptionally inspiring in helping you understand why these groups are, or are not successful.