When people think about organizational culture, they often assume it is shaped by leadership or managed by HR. While leaders set the tone and HR may facilitate initiatives, the reality is that culture is created by everyone, every day.
Culture is not just what is written in a mission statement or displayed on a wall—it is how people show up, interact, and contribute. Whether you are a team member, leader, or executive, you play a role in shaping the culture around you.
Why Culture is Everyone’s Job
Culture is built in the small, daily moments—how we communicate, collaborate, and treat each other. If only leadership or HR owns culture, it remains a policy rather than a lived experience. Instead, every team member has the power to influence workplace culture in meaningful ways.
So, how can YOU contribute to a strong, positive culture? Here are five actionable steps to make an impact:
1. Lead by Example (No Title Needed)
Culture is reinforced through behavior. If you want a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, model those qualities yourself. Show up with integrity, take accountability, and demonstrate the values you want to see in others.
- Be the kind of colleague you would want to work with.
- Show appreciation, acknowledge contributions, and celebrate wins.
- Demonstrate a growth mindset—embrace learning, feedback, and improvement.
2. Foster Meaningful Connections
A strong culture thrives on relationships, not just processes. Take the time to connect with colleagues beyond task-based conversations.
- Check in on team members—show genuine care.
- Encourage collaboration and invite diverse perspectives.
- Create moments for informal interactions—small conversations build strong bonds.
3. Communicate with Transparency and Trust
Culture is shaped by how openly people communicate. You can contribute by fostering an environment of psychological safety, where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.
- Be clear, honest, and respectful in your communication.
- Speak up for what is right, even when it is uncomfortable.
- Listen—validate others’ perspectives, not just your own.
4. Take Ownership of Problems and Solutions
It is easy to point fingers when things go wrong, but great cultures are built by people who take ownership—not just of problems, but also of solutions.
- If you see something broken in the culture, do not just complain—take action.
- Offer solutions, not just criticisms.
- Support and empower others to be part of the solution, too.
5. Recognize and Reinforce positive behaviors
Culture grows where it is nurtured. One of the simplest but most powerful ways to build a positive culture is to recognize and reinforce the behaviors that align with your organization’s values.
- Acknowledge the contributions of others—privately and publicly.
- Give credit where it is due, and celebrate small wins.
- Make recognition part of your daily habit, not just an annual event.
Culture Change Is a Collective Effort
A thriving organizational culture does not happen by accident—it is built intentionally, by everyone. Leaders may set the direction, but each person contributes to the day-to-day experience.
So, the next time you think about company culture, remember: it is not “their” job—it is ours. What will you do today to shape the culture around you?
Ready to grow your impact and shape a stronger workplace culture?
Enroll in Our Community Listens to build connection, empathy, and communication skills that elevate every team member’s contribution.
For those who lead others or influence organizational culture, take the next step with Our Community Transforms: a class designed to help you lead with intention and drive meaningful change.
To bring these strategies into your workplace, explore the Caring Workplace program on our Organizational Services page.
