As a leader, cultivating a strong, positive company culture is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. However, company culture is fragile and can easily be undermined by small, everyday actions. Over the years, I’ve seen several culture killers that, if not addressed, can slowly erode employee morale, performance, and ultimately, customer experience. These issues could negatively affect your business and its ability to thrive, even if they seem like small problems at first.
The Culture Killers:
Here are five common culture killers that I’ve seen in various organizations over the years, along with why they can be so damaging:
- Reserved Parking Spots for Leadership
When leaders at a company reserve the best parking spots for themselves, it sends a message of inequality. Leadership is about setting an example, and that starts with the little things. Great leaders lead by example and show respect for their teams by parking further away or even eating last at company functions. Simple acts like these set the tone for company culture—one of equality, respect, and service. - Leaders Who Arrive Late and Leave Early
Leadership means setting the pace for the rest of the team. If you’re not consistently showing up on time and putting in the work, it’s hard to expect the same from your team. When leaders take a laissez-faire approach to their schedule, it breeds disengagement. It may not seem like a big deal, but the message it sends is: “The rules don’t apply to me.” That creates a divide between leadership and employees, which can affect accountability. - Family Members Getting Promoted Just Because They’re Family
While family-run businesses have their unique advantages, promoting family members without regard for merit can breed resentment and diminish the overall morale of the team. Employees may feel that their hard work and contributions are being overlooked in favor of someone who has a personal connection, rather than the skills or experience necessary for the role. - Owner’s “Toys” Taking Up Warehouse Space
I’ve seen it all: the owner’s fancy car, a boat, or some other personal luxury item taking up valuable workspace in the company warehouse or office. Not only does it create a perception of unfairness, but it can also cause logistical issues. This type of behavior can make your team feel like the company is more about personal gain than creating an environment for everyone to succeed. - Tolerating Negative Talk About Customers or Colleagues
One of the most damaging culture killers is allowing negativity—whether it’s gossip about customers or colleagues—to take root. A negative work environment doesn’t just impact morale; it also affects how your team interacts with customers. When employees feel like they’re constantly dealing with negativity in the workplace, that frustration will spill over into their interactions with customers, impacting the overall customer experience and, ultimately, your reputation.
These are just a few culture killers I’ve encountered in my career. While they may seem like small problems at first, unchecked, they can grow into bigger issues that affect your company’s internal culture, customer experience, and business growth. As a leader, you must be vigilant and intentional about the culture you build and nurture.
So, take a moment to assess your workplace environment and ask yourself: Are any of these culture killers lurking in your business? Want to know how to cultivate a culture where leaders act as role models and genuinely support their team. Contact me, I can help.