3M Performance Culture Behaviors for People Leaders

As a people leader, you play a critical role in translating the company’s goals into day-to-day actions. You guide your team through challenges, support their development, and ensure they stay focused on meaningful results. Your leadership helps shape a culture of trust, accountability, and progress. The way you lead—through coaching, clarity, and consistency—makes a direct impact on how work gets done.

1. Deliver Results

• What it means: You help your team focus on the work that matters most. You balance performance with collaboration and make sure effort is tied to outcomes, not just activity.

• What it looks like in action: You meet regularly with your team to clarify goals. You remove distractions so people can stay focused. You check in on results and support course corrections when needed.

2. Challenge the Status Quo

• What it means: You create an environment where questioning how things are done is encouraged. You guide your team in identifying better ways of working and lead with data and clear decisions.

• What it looks like in action: You invite input from the team on what’s slowing them down. You support thoughtful risk-taking. You act on good ideas and help others see the value of change.

3. Instill Rigor and Accountability

• What it means: You set clear expectations and follow through. You help your team understand the details that matter, while keeping an eye on the broader goal.

• What it looks like in action: You clarify roles and timelines. You follow up when commitments are missed and support your team in resolving issues. You model the accountability you expect from others.

4. Energize the Team to Act

• What it means: You keep your team motivated and focused. You coach for performance, offer timely feedback, and create opportunities for growth.

• What it looks like in action: You recognize progress, not just outcomes. You check in with individuals to understand what they need. You help connect daily work to a larger purpose.

5. Act Responsibly and Respectfully

• What it means: You lead with fairness and integrity. You reinforce expectations around safety and behavior, and address concerns in a timely, respectful way.

• What it looks like in action: You speak up when something feels off. You follow through on tough conversations. You set a respectful tone and ensure your team does the same.

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