Hello Leader - It's Mark-

Today, we’re diving deep into a critical topic for any leader: Creating and Nurturing the Right Culture.

This week, I listened to Mike Linch's podcast, Linch With A Leader, which was an engaging conversation with Jenni Catron as they explored the critical role of culture in organizational success.

Jenni just released her new book on the subject, Culture Matters, A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable

Here are some key takeaways from that discussion.

We often hear that culture is key to a successful organization, but are we intentionally defining and shaping the culture we desire?

Here are a few insights to help you think through and take action on creating a culture that not only supports your mission but also propels it forward.

Compounding the Right Culture

Too often, we leave culture to chance, thinking it will evolve naturally. But culture is something we must define and shape deliberately.

It’s about getting clear on who we are and how we work together—and then using that clarity to drive momentum.

When everyone on your team is aligned around this shared understanding, the collective energy becomes unstoppable.

By defining your culture intentionally, you create an environment where your team can thrive, feel confident, and contribute at their best.

As leaders, our role is to model the behaviors and values we want to see in the organization. If we’re not aligned with the culture we’re trying to create, the organization won’t be either.

Assessing Where You Are: The First Step to Change

A key part of building a strong culture is taking the time to assess where you are truly. Too often, leaders are reluctant to face the reality that their culture isn’t as strong as they think.

This can be especially hard when things aren’t going as planned and when we’re part of the problem ourselves.

Getting honest feedback—whether from staff surveys or open discussions. Humility is required to look at your culture with a clear and open mind, to see the areas that need improvement, and to take action.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect culture. But if we intentionally create the right environment, we can make significant strides toward a thriving, engaged team.

The Leader's Role in Shaping Culture

As a leader, you are the mirror through which your team sees the culture. What you model, your behaviors and the way you interact with others directly influence the team.

Everything rises and falls on leadership, as John Maxwell often says. If the leader isn’t living out the values they preach, the team won’t either.

This doesn’t mean leaders have to be perfect—leaders need to be aware of how their actions affect the culture and take responsibility for it. Your example will inspire and influence those around you.

Proactive Leadership: Defining Culture Before It's a Crisis

Organizations often don’t realize they need to address their culture until it’s in crisis mode. By then, shifting the culture is a heavy lift, requiring significant time and effort. But we don’t have to wait for a crisis to take action. As leaders, it’s crucial to be proactive in shaping and defining the culture we want long before things go wrong.

Take the time to intentionally build a culture that aligns with your mission, values, and vision. This will help prevent toxicity and ensure your team is set up for long-term success.

Reflection for Leaders: Would You Want Your Child to Work in Your Culture?

Here’s a question to challenge your thinking: Would you want your child to work in the culture you’ve created? It’s a powerful reflection for leaders to understand the real impact of their organizational environment.

Consider the culture you're building—not just in terms of business goals but as a space where people can grow and thrive personally. Your leadership directly shapes this experience.

I would like you to reflect on these insights and consider how to be intentional about your culture moving forward. Remember, the culture you build today will set the foundation for tomorrow's success.

You can read more about creating a great culture from Jenni's new book, Culture Matters: A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable

What I am currently reading:

1. The Laws of Lifetime Growth- Dan Sullivan & Catherine Nomura

2. High-Performance Habits - Brendon Burchard

3. The Maxwell Daily Reader - John C. Maxwell

4. Psycho-Cybernetics - Maxwell Maltz

5. The Daily Messenger - Jonathan Milligan

What great books are you currently reading?

Please send me a note at mark@markjcundiff.com to let me know.

If you have not downloaded your Free Leadership Reading Guide, get yours here: Leadership Reading Guide