Setting the Culture

You're doing it, whether you choose to or not

Leadership is influencing other people. We can choose to do it consciously, but people are picking up things from us no matter what.

Right now is a great time to be thinking about what you want in your company culture. We have people returning to in-person or hybrid work schedules, as well as an influx of interns and new hires. You can help set the tone in the direction you want it to go.

• Share your expectations. Don’t assume people know what you want them to do (or not do).

• Have an open-door policy, so people can talk to you.

• Walk the walk. Demonstrate the tone you want to set for others.

• Accommodate different styles and personal preferences, as long as they don’t undercut other people.

• Bring people onto the team. Ask people who were hired prior to the pandemic what they liked about the corporate culture “back in the day,” and encourage them to re-start traditions and other aspects of the culture that made it great.

(image source: https://www.memesmonkey.com/topic/leadership#&gid=1&pid=3)