Key Thought
Culture will happen—whether by design or by default. The question isn’t if your team will experience a culture… it’s what kind of culture will they experience? And that’s where intentional leadership steps in. Wherever the temperature of your team sits on the culture barometer, you have the power to influence it—one degree at a time.
Culture by Design, Not by Accident
Culture drift can sneak up on you—but so can culture wins if you’re deliberate. I’ve learned that a daily culture plan isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Your team members feel your leadership more in the everyday moments than in the big rallies or annual reviews. So why not make every day meaningful?
Where do we start?
We start with who we have—our people.
The question is: Are they being celebrated in daily and rhythmic ways?
Do we recognize their peak moments—inside and outside of work—in ways that show them they matter?
The Power of Peak Moments
One of the most transformative books on this idea is “The Power of Moments ” by Chip and Dan Heath. The research is clear: the most memorable, culture-shaping moments in a person’s life usually fall into four categories:
- Elevation: Moments that rise above the everyday.
- Insight: Moments that rewire how we see ourselves or the world.
- Pride: Moments that capture achievement and recognition.
- Connection: Moments that deepen relationships.
So, what does this mean for us as leaders? It means that if we want to shape culture intentionally, we need to design these kinds of moments into our daily and weekly rhythms.
People stay where they feel seen. They thrive where they feel valued. They lead others when they’ve been led with intention.
Where to Begin (If It Feels Overwhelming)
Leaders, when it comes to building your culture plan, start small and start personal. Begin with birthdays, work anniversaries, and cultural celebrations. These are the building blocks of an unforgettable culture.
Here’s a simple framework to begin building your culture plan:
- Get it on a calendar. Don’t rely on memory—systematize it.
- Make it a moment. Present a handwritten note, a small gift, or a heartfelt shout-out in front of the team.
- Be specific. Don’t just say “Happy Birthday.” Tell them what you admire about them. Speak to their unique contribution.
A rhythm of celebration leads to a rhythm of connection—and that’s how culture sticks.
Challenge & Call to Action
Is your culture happening to you… or because of you?
Pick one rhythm to start this week:
- Add birthdays and anniversaries to your culture calendar.
- Plan how you’ll celebrate each one in a memorable way.
- Invite your leaders to join you in making a big deal out of the little things.
These intentional acts become the building blocks of an unforgettable culture.
Next Up: CELEBRATING PEAK MOMENTS — MAKING THE EVERYDAY EXTRAORDINARY
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)