The Common Enemy and the Catchy Phrase

People bond quicker when there's a common enemy; A tough problem, a market that's not working, an important deadline, or just something that needs fixing. A common enemy helps teams stay focused and gives everyone clarity on why they're there. 

But having just a common enemy might not be enough. Having a clear, simple phrase about how you'll tackle it makes all the difference. This phrase often becomes something everyone repeats, keeping spirits high and giving the team something easy to lean on when things get tough.

You don't even have to overthink the catchy phrase—often the best ones emerge naturally from the team's conversations, experiences and jokes. In my experience, when a phrase or expression naturally catches on within the team, it's a clear indicator of a strong, cohesive, and effective group.

It's pretty simple, and it works surprisingly well.