The Eye Roll Said it ALL...

The other day, I found myself at a local business where an employee was clearly having trouble processing my transaction. They fumbled through the steps, double-checked the system, and nervously tried to get it right, while repeatedly getting error messages. I waited patiently, not in a rush—but what happened next fascinated me. 

As I stood there, I noticed another employee, Person A, glance over toward us and watch this person, who was clearly floundering. Person A rolled their eyes and gave a subtle shake of their head, clearly judging their coworker’s struggle. It wasn’t bold or confrontational, but it spoke volumes — a silent judgment that echoed louder than words: "Oh My Gosh, why can't you get it right?... What's wrong with you??... You are such a burden to the team." 

Moments later, Person B, another team member, who also had been silently observing, stepped in. They approached calmly and supportively, guided the employee through the remaining steps, and offered quiet encouragement along the way. They didn’t make a scene, just stood beside their co-worker when it mattered. That small moment reminded me what real teamwork looks like and said more about trust and belonging than any team meeting ever could. 

As I left, I kept thinking about this interaction and wondering what kind of culture is this workplace cultivating?

Person A saw the struggle and responded with judgment.

Person B saw the same struggle and responded with support.

Both reactions were part of the culture—but only one of them actually built it up.

This moment was a reminder that our workplace culture is shaped in the ordinary, unscripted interactions that unfold all day long. How we respond to each other’s missteps, learning curves, and stressors reveals far more than any mission statement on the wall ever could.

Culture is not a side effect—it’s a living, breathing reflection of what we tolerate, celebrate, and repeat.

Our image of each other—how we see our coworkers—has a direct impact on how we function as a team. If we view one another through a lens of criticism or impatience, our ability to work collaboratively erodes. But when we hold space for growth, show belief in one another, and invest in each other’s success, the entire culture shifts. And yes—it affects the customer experience too. Because customers, clients, and families can feel culture just as clearly as employees can.

As a Self-Aware Leader, it’s our responsibility to create intentional opportunities for our staff to build trust, grow their emotional professionalism, and recognize their individual contributions to the larger team. Culture doesn’t just happen—we shape it on purpose. 

Let’s stop hoping for a strong workplace culture and start creating one—intentionally. Whether you're a leader, a team member, or someone new to your role, you are part of the culture-making process. Every glance, every gesture, every word contributes to the whole.

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Workplace Culture—Starting Now  

1. Talk About Culture Out Loud

Make culture a visible, ongoing conversation. Don’t just assume your values are understood: name them, model them, and make space for dialogue. Start meetings with quick culture check-ins or stories of positive moments.

2. Create Micro-Rituals of Connection

Small, consistent actions build culture. A daily team huddle, weekly shout-outs, or even a simple “good morning” ritual can help create belonging and psychological safety.

3. Coach and Reframe, Don’t Blame

When someone is struggling, shift from blame to support. Equip your team with emotionally intelligent tools for peer coaching and constructive feedback. Judgment divides—curiosity connects.

4. Celebrate the Behaviors You Want More Of

Recognition doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Notice and acknowledge actions that align with your values: teamwork, kindness, patience, courage, etc. What gets praised gets repeated.

5. Reflect and Reassess Regularly

Culture is dynamic. Check in often: What’s working? What needs attention? Include your team in those reflections. Their insights are gold—and their voices matter.

Self-Reflection:  

• What silent messages are being sent in your workplace?

• How do your team members respond when someone is struggling?

• Do your staff feel safe to learn, fumble, and grow?

• When was the last time someone supported you—or you supported someone else—in a meaningful way?

• What intentional rituals or conversations could help strengthen your team's culture?

Get in touch here—I’d love to hear your answers! Let’s keep choosing curiosity over judgment. Let’s commit to building cultures where people feel seen, supported, and valued—not just for what they do, but for who they are.

Because when we build people, we build everything else better.

YOU MATTER!