Thoughts on Building a Character-Based Culture
I’ve been fortunate to associate with people of high character. Honest, hard workers who model integrity.
Of course there have been exceptions. Once in a while, you’re bound to come across someone who puts themself above the team. Cuts corners. Is loose with the truth.
The best cultures sniff these people out. They’re self-cleaning ovens. Everyone takes on a leadership role and addresses the issue. If the behavior doesn’t change, the person is exited. Addition by subtraction.
But sometimes, the toxic actors aren’t so obvious.
Certain people tell the funniest stories. They’re charming, quick-witted, and can make you feel like an insider. You leave conversations feeling great… but mostly about them.
Maybe you know the type.
One day it hits you: Most of their stories come at someone else’s expense. Someone who’s not in the room.
You start to feel bad about laughing.
And just like that, you see them differently. The confidence you admired is really insecurity dressed up as humor. “Insider access” is just permission to participate in subtle (or not so subtle) digs.
Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
They undermine your friends. They belittle colleagues. And you wonder: Should I say something?
Yes. Silence is agreement.
And then comes the final realization: If this is how they talk about others… what do they say about you when you’re not there?
You already know the answer.
Some advice:
- Don’t be that person.
- Don’t advocate for that person.
- Don’t give that person space in your world.
Sometimes, funny isn’t so funny.
Your standards are what you tolerate. Your culture is no different.
Life’s short. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. People who lift others up. At work, at home, everywhere.