Ever feel like you can’t truly impact the culture at your organization—like culture is just “baked in” or solely dictated by top leadership? The truth is,
each of us has the power to shift the atmosphere around us,
whether we work on a jobsite, in a corporate office, or as part of a small project team. Culture isn’t just an invisible force determined by lofty memos. It’s shaped by our day-to-day interactions, individual choices, and collective mindset—and these elements can vary dramatically from one workspace to another.
Below are seven practical ways anyone—not just company executives—can help strengthen their team’s culture from within.
Greet People by Name
A simple “Hi, [Name], how’s your morning?” goes a long way. It’s not just polite—it signals respect and connection. Using a person’s name can gradually transform the workplace into a more personable and welcoming environment.
Share Appreciation (Out Loud!)
When you catch someone doing something right, don’t keep it to yourself. A quick “That presentation was incredible!” or “Thanks for stepping in at the last minute” boosts morale and sets a positive example, motivating others to do the same.
Offer Help Before It’s Asked For
If you see a coworker swamped—or notice your jobsite is short on supplies—don’t wait to be asked. Offering to help builds a sense of collaboration and shows that no one is operating in isolation.
Acknowledge Mistakes with Openness
Mistakes are inevitable, but how you handle them can make or break trust. Avoid finger-pointing or covering things up. Instead, openly discuss what happened and how to learn from it. By normalizing honest conversation about missteps, you foster a culture of growth rather than fear.
Be Curious, Not Judgmental
Departments or jobsites can become siloed when people jump to conclusions or assume the worst. Ask questions like “Help me understand your approach?” instead of focusing on blame. This shift to curiosity helps create healthy conflict resolution and strengthens relationships.
Embrace Small Acts of Inclusivity
You don’t need a massive program to cultivate inclusivity. Something as simple as sharing meeting notes with an absent colleague, or inviting a new teammate to lunch, can make a big difference. These small gestures ensure everyone feels recognized and part of the team.
Celebrate Milestones and Personal Growth
Don’t underestimate the power of a quick “congratulations” when someone reaches a milestone—whether it’s a birthday, work anniversary, or earning a new certification. Even brief moments of celebration can make individuals feel valued and motivate them to keep growing.
Making Culture Everyone’s Responsibility
It’s common to feel that culture is beyond our control—but in reality, every conversation, every gesture of support, and every moment of genuine appreciation reshapes the environment around us.
So the next time you’re on a jobsite or in the office, ask yourself: What small step can I take today to create the culture I want to see? By embracing simple actions—remembering names, offering support, recognizing milestones, and leading with curiosity—you’ll help build a more positive, trusting, and unified workplace. And in doing so, you’ll prove that anyone can help shape an organization’s culture from the inside out.
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