
I always tell my older son, “Live as an example, because your little brother is watching. Whatever you do, he’s going to follow.” When he picks up a book, his little brother grabs one too. When he’s outside kicking a soccer ball, the younger one is right there, mimicking every move. Even during PlayStation time, they’re side by side, controllers in hand.
This natural imitation is a powerful reminder of how we influence those around us. My older son sets a precedent, and his little brother mirrors his actions—good or bad. It’s a responsibility that my son carries, whether he realizes it or not.
The same principle applies to leadership and company culture. Just like I strive to be a positive example for my kids, business owners and leaders must recognize their role in shaping the culture of their organization. A healthy company culture doesn’t just happen; it’s cultivated by leaders who are aware of their influence and the environment they create.
Culture is the foundation of any organization. It’s shaped by the behaviors and values of its leaders. If you want to foster a team that collaborates, innovates, and performs at a high level, you must first model those behaviors yourself.
Your team is always watching. They take note of how you handle stress, how you react to setbacks, and how you treat others. When leaders prioritize transparency, trust, and support, they create a culture where employees feel valued and engaged. In this environment, individuals are empowered to take risks and innovate, knowing they are part of a supportive team.
Conversely, if a leader is reactive, dismissive, or fails to take accountability, that sets a tone that trickles down through the organization. Just like my younger son imitates his brother’s actions, your team will reflect your leadership style.
Business owners need to consciously build a healthy company culture by embodying the values they want to see. Create an environment where collaboration is encouraged, where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity, and where everyone feels their voice matters. When you live these values, your team will follow suit, creating a culture that inspires high-quality performance.
Just as I strive to be a good example for my children, knowing they’re learning from me, remember that your team is watching you too. Live as an example, because someone is always watching. Make sure your company culture is worth following, and you’ll inspire a team that thrives.
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