The Culture You Build Defines Your Leadership
“Thoughtful actions are shoutouts from your corporate culture.”
— Leading for Impact, Chapter 9
It’s Friday afternoon—our team is remote, yet here we are, gathered together virtually. Why? Because we have a well-connected team that genuinely enjoys spending time together.
At a time when many news feeds are filled with complaints about workplaces and the dread of office culture, our team looks forward to in-person days, team calls, and collaboration—whether virtual or not. We’re a diverse group, navigating different phases of life, roles, and responsibilities, yet one thing binds us together—our culture.
How Did We Get Here?
✔️ Commitment to our core values
✔️ A foundation of humility and gratitude
Every company has a culture, whether it’s intentionally cultivated or organically evolved. Today, culture is no longer just an HR buzzword—it is a critical element of business success.
The workforce has changed, and leaders must adapt to an ever-evolving people factor, shaped by life, societal shifts, and economic changes.
Gone are the days of a purely transactional employee-employer relationship—today’s workplaces are expected to offer support, appreciation, and a sense of belonging. With division, uncertainty, and mental health struggles at an all-time high, organizations must recognize their role in fostering a positive, resilient environment.
Culture: A Space Where People Thrive
A strong culture does more than align teams—it sets expectations, fosters belonging, and provides clarity on how people work together.
Our team culture is not just about how we work—it’s about how we treat each other.
✔️ Humility & gratitude are at the core of our culture.
✔️ We see ourselves as part of something bigger than just our roles.
✔️ We challenge and uplift one another.
The Power of Humility in Leadership
Humility is not self-deprecation, nor is it diminishing oneself. It is:
✔️ A keen awareness of strengths and weaknesses.
✔️ A willingness to serve others without ego.
✔️ A shield against arrogance and entitlement.
When self-importance rises, genuine connections suffer. But when leaders embrace humility, teams thrive.
By leading with a servant’s mindset, we create a culture of kindness, appreciation, and mutual respect—one where people feel valued and empowered.
The Role of Gratitude in Team Culture
Gratitude is a transformational force. It celebrates contributions, strengthens relationships, and fosters resilience.
✔️ It eliminates jealousy and comparison.
✔️ It reinforces a culture of generosity and sincerity.
✔️ It helps teams build positive connections.
In our workplace, gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s an action. It removes entitlement, fosters a spirit of thankfulness, and shapes a culture where people grow, lead, and succeed together.
Gratitude doesn’t just change work culture—it relieves stress, strengthens mental health, and builds confidence. When people feel valued, they perform better, engage more, and elevate those around them.
Culture is Leadership in Action
Gone are the days of “clock in, clock out” workplaces. People crave impact, connection, and meaning in what they do.
✔️ Culture isn’t an HR initiative—it’s a leadership responsibility.
✔️ Culture defines how people show up, interact, and contribute.
✔️ Culture is shaped by leadership, but upheld by the entire team.
What happens when leaders aren’t present? Culture remains. That’s how you know it’s strong. It’s not just policies or perks—it’s a way of working, thinking, and showing up for one another.
As a leader, I don’t take this responsibility lightly.
✔️ I strive to exemplify our team’s values in both attitude and action.
✔️ I trust that when I fall short, my team will step in.
✔️ I believe that culture is not dictated—it’s lived.
Everyone has a role in shaping a thriving, resilient culture. What kind of culture are you creating?
