Legacy, what impact do you want to create…
If you really want to understand your workplace culture, ask yourself this. How do your staff describe you when you are not there?
Not in surveys. Not in performance reviews. In real conversations at home or over coffee.
Culture shifts quietly. Sometimes it is one hire. Sometimes it is a leader who is tired and does not realise it, who avoids tough conversations and addressing bad behaviour.
Few people want to be the one who speaks up, so you have to pay attention to energy. Who lifts the room. Who withdraws. Who no longer volunteers ideas.
The strongest cultures are not built by accident. They are protected and nurtured.
A gentle entry level tool to start reflecting is the Johari Window, it breaks self-awareness into four domains. Try these questions with a family member or close friend who will be completely honest with you.
– How do I show up when I’m stressed, or things aren’t going my way?
– How do I respond to mistakes?
– What is something I do that makes me enjoyable to be around?
– What is something I do that makes you cringe?
Listen to the feedback openly, do not be defensive and then work on it.
Personal development and reflections teach critical thinking and keeps us evolving. When we learn, get excited about new ideas and have a win the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the happy hormones that improve focus and motivation. That energy draws people to you.
They are talking about you whether it is good or bad. And somewhere in business land, a little office fairy gets her wings every time someone says something kind about their boss.