Staying In Shape

You’re much more powerful than you think. No really. Too often we hold influence for certain people, but there are two environments that you are consistently shaping: Culture and Connection.

When we think about staying in shape, I know my mind immediately goes to my fitness routine. But there’s another type of shape we often overlook—the impact we have on the spaces we’re part of. The way we listen, the tone we set, the way we show up for the people in our lives—it all adds up. So, what does it look like to stay in shape by becoming more aware of the culture we help create and the connections we nurture?

A lot of people love the word culture. People want a healthy culture in their place of work, on a team, or within a group. Culture isn’t found in a handbook—it’s built in everyday moments.

Every single time you show up, you are helping set the tone for how people feel and behave in that environment. Here’s a few questions to think about:

Are you someone who lifts people up or brings people down?

Do your actions and reactions make it safer or scarier for others to be themselves?

What you normalize will become the culture. I always encourage people set boundaries for language and actions as consistent as possible, and nearly as a matter of introduction. Healthy cultures include spaces where honesty and clarity are the norm, not the exception. People feel safe to speak, and mutual respect is present. There’s always a shared purpose and a common vision that everyone is working towards—whether it’s success, growth, or simply showing up 1% better each day.

The other thing we need to talk about is connection. Some of us are better at making connections than others but just remember this…people don’t need you to be perfect, but they do need to be seen by you and respected by you. One of our deepest fears, whether we want to admit it or not, is that we won’t be seen. That we’ll walk into a room, leave that room, and simply be forgotten. I have a few questions for you as it relates to how you interact with others:

Are you present, or just passing through?

Do you listen with intention—or just wait for your turn to speak?

You don’t have to be the person in charge to be a person with kindness, and kindness is what leads to connection.

This week I’m challenging you to pick one of the two: Culture or Connection. Think about the way you’re shaping the environments you’re in and how you’re impacting the people around you. You don’t have to wait for a different title to make a difference. You have the ability to shape the relationships and the atmosphere you’re in. As always, I’m wishing you the best.