Have you ever walked into an office or onto a jobsite and immediately sensed the vibe of the place? Sometimes it’s warm and welcoming; other times, it’s tense and uncomfortable—like everyone’s waiting for something to go wrong. That feeling you’re picking up on is culture. Just like the wind, you can’t see it, but you can definitely feel it.
Your Culture Is Always There, Even If You Don’t See It
A common misconception is that culture is just an abstract idea, something fluffy that “just happens.” In truth, it’s happening right now. Whether you’ve put any thought into it or not, your company’s culture is forming and evolving every single day. If you don’t shape it on purpose, it can quickly turn into something you never intended—like a garden left to grow wild, with weeds popping up where you’d rather have flowers.
Leaders Plant the Seeds, Everyone Else Helps It Grow
Culture doesn’t appear out of thin air; it starts with the people at the top and spreads outwards. Leaders set the tone through their actions: how they handle tough situations, celebrate wins, or deal with mistakes. The team then picks up on these cues and reinforces them through stories they share—those office “legends” you might hear in the break room or trailer, the ones that start with, “Remember when we all pitched in at midnight to finish that project?” or “I’ll never forget the time our leader sat down with a new intern just to hear their ideas.” Over time, these stories shape what everyone believes the company is all about.
Choosing to Be Intentional
The important thing to remember is that culture is going to exist no matter what—so why not be intentional about it? Instead of letting things unfold on their own, take some time to think about what you really want your culture to feel like. What values do you want your team to embrace? What kinds of stories do you want people telling years from now?
Once you’ve decided on that vision, make it real. Talk openly about your values, celebrate the behaviors you want to see more of, and call out the ones that don’t fit. Encourage leaders to model the right example, because people will be watching. And don’t forget to listen, too—ask for feedback and adjust as you go.
Steering the Wind in Your Favor
Yes, culture can feel as invisible and uncontrollable as the wind. Just as a master builder can expertly adjust the framework of a structure to ensure it stands strong against the elements, you can shape and influence the foundation of your culture.
By being deliberate, telling meaningful stories, and leading by example, you create an environment that feels supportive, energizing, and aligned with your big-picture goals.
In the end, culture isn’t something out of your hands—it’s part of your company’s DNA. Embrace it, shape it, and watch your team flourish in a place that truly feels like home.
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