corporate community: what’s the secret behind our team

We are Kristina and Lisa, a content manager and copywriter at the branding agency ICU.

2024 has been a dynamic year. We’ve grown stronger, more skilled, and more creative, as our team continues to expand. We are growing, and the bonds within our team are becoming stronger, while new members quickly become an integral part of the group.

In this pre-New Year article, we’ll share the approaches we use to not only build a corporate culture but also create a true community within our team.

Imagine a house of cards where every card is crucial because it supports the entire structure. Similarly, our team at the agency builds internal connections that strengthen relationships among colleagues. In our agency, we trust each other and share common team values and goals.

Smooth onboarding

For many, joining a new team can be stressful. This is a normal reaction to entering a group of unfamiliar people. We implement a gradual adaptation process for new employees. At first, a newcomer works closely with a mentor, then gradually takes on tasks requiring interaction with other colleagues, step by step. This way, we create a comfortable environment for the newcomer, carefully integrating them into all team processes.

«When I joined the team, I initially discussed all tasks with the content manager, Kristina. Later, the PR manager Nastya and the SMM manager Vika got involved. Gradually, I met the rest of the team through collaborative projects. By the time I attended my first meeting, I knew almost everyone, and no one wondered, ‘Who’s that girl on the other side of the screen?’ This approach helped me establish my first connections within the team»

— Lisa, copywriter

Support at every level

We practice empathy towards each other. When problems arise, the team unites to find solutions. We openly discuss emotional moments and challenges that affect the work process and atmosphere. For us, difficulties aren’t destructive—they’re opportunities to learn and grow. Every specialist is ready to lend a hand, offer advice, and guide others.

«I struggled with creating sticker designs for ICU. I sketched drafts on paper, created full-fledged concepts, but wasn’t satisfied with the result. I turned to our creative director, Alexey. His positive attitude and encouragement inspired me, while his guidance and experience helped me successfully complete the task.»

— Ilya, graphic designer

What did our creative director do?

1. — Encouragement. Creating a positive atmosphere and praising the designer’s effort boosted confidence.
2. — Ownership. Ensuring the designer felt ownership of the task, reinforcing their ability to handle it.
3. — Mentorship. Acting as a mentor by offering solutions and actionable recommendations.

Experienced team members pass on their knowledge, making the team stronger and more authoritative.

Open communication

The team is like a living organism, with each member having their area of expertise and responsibility. In regular meetings, we share updates, achievements, and emotions, expressing gratitude to one another. We communicate online via messengers and task managers, discussing work, asking questions, and sometimes even evening plans. This communication fosters not just a shared goal but also a friendly atmosphere.

«We spend most of our lives at work, so it’s important to create harmonious, friendly relationships while maintaining discipline. This balance forms through a kind, empathetic atmosphere and healthy communication based on mutual respect and support. Only this way can we achieve goals and execute successful projects.»

— Alexander, CEO

Collaborative work

Team partnerships spark creative and innovative solutions. Our team fosters synergy between roles: the content manager and designer, the creative director and project manager. These collaborations drive both internal and external projects.

«Together with the content manager Kristina, we are working on a significant and important project for ICU—its brand identity. We are transforming it into something new, deeper, yet more concise. Every iteration is filled with active discussions about every detail. The project is also supported by the leadership, who provide valuable feedback and highlight subtle nuances. We are driven by one goal—to achieve a perfect result, and with each step, we are getting closer to it.»

— Yulia, brand designer

Creative ideation

Every team member is a creator in their field, so brainstorming sessions are common. These meetings spark fresh ideas and innovative approaches. Even when brainstorming isn’t planned, anyone can share their ideas and suggestions with the team for collective discussion and planning.

«Ahead of New Year, we needed to come up with a festive situational idea. I gathered like-minded colleagues to brainstorm. We observed each other’s thoughts and visions, discovering new perspectives. It was classic creative storming—filled with humor, crazy ideas, and insights!»

— Alexey, creative director

Team building

We organize activities that foster personal growth and team cohesion. For example, watching and discussing a film together lets us see each other as people, not just colleagues. In-person meetups outside of work strengthen our bonds and maintain warm relationships.

The most cherished event that unites us all is the New Year’s party. New Year is a symbol of magic and family values, and we make it a point to come together and share the festive spirit.

«Every year, we organize a Secret Santa. We unwrap gifts together to share the genuine emotions of the moment. These gifts reflect pieces of ourselves because we choose them based on our colleagues’ interests and wishes, making each person feel special and valued. This tradition amplifies the holiday spirit and brings us closer together—it’s the magic that makes us stronger as a team.»

— Kristina, content manager

Our team-building approaches create synergy and unique bonds within the team, enhancing its value. Achievements and successes require collective belief and progress through new stages. Community is the key to effective interaction and successful results

Wishing you a New Year surrounded by those who truly matter and conquer new heights together!

Happy New Year!

Authors' community:

Kristina Parshova x Elizaveta Murashko x Arina Repieva

(content manager, copywriter, graphic designer)