Culture is Felt Before They Enter the Building

Culture isn't the mission statement on the wall. It's what a person feels in the first thirty seconds of their arrival. Yes, culture begins to speak even before they walk in the building.

What does the parking lot look like? Is the building cared for? Is someone there to greet them? Does the lobby feel calm or rushed? Are calls handled with care? Do team members smile or avoid eye contact? Before anyone explains your program, people have already decided what it's like to be there.

Culture is what you allow

Every site has a culture, whether it was built on purpose or not. It lives in small, repeated moments. How people talk about families in the break room. Whether new team members get help or are left to figure it out on their own. What happens when someone makes a mistake. How people support one another when there is a need.

As the site leader, you shape culture most through what you tolerate and what you celebrate - both get repeated. Occasionally, you need to see your culture through fresh eyes.

• Walk in the front door at drop-off as if you're a new parent (start in the parking lot). What do you notice first?

• Ask a newer team member, "What surprised you about working here?"

• Listen to how problems get discussed. Is it blame or problem-solving?

Once you have done this analysis, decide what needs to be improved. You don't need a culture overhaul. Choose one moment people experience every day, like the morning greeting or a new hire's first week, and make it intentional. When one moment changes, people start to believe others can too. If you don’t see anything that needs improvement…ask your team; they will have a list for you!