Culture transformation can feel like an insurmountable challenge. When you hear about companies with world-class cultures, it’s easy to assume they started with some secret formula, a perfect team, or endless resources.
But the truth? Every workplace struggles with culture at some point. Whether it’s disengaged employees, lack of teamwork, or a disconnect between leadership and staff, these issues can make improvement feel impossible. Where do you even begin?
The good news is that culture isn’t built overnight—but it also doesn’t require a massive overhaul to improve. You don’t need a five-year plan or a full-scale initiative to start seeing real, meaningful change.
The biggest mistake companies make is believing that culture is a massive, complex system that only changes through major restructuring. In reality, the strongest cultures are built on everyday actions—the things people choose to do (or not do) in small moments, over time.
Think of it like a ripple effect. When leaders and employees take small but intentional steps to create a more positive, connected workplace, those actions spread. And before you know it, they add up to a workplace where people genuinely enjoy showing up, collaborating, and doing great work.
So, how do you begin? That’s where the FISH! Philosophy comes in.
The FISH! Philosophy isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about shifting how you approach everyday interactions—creating an environment where energy, commitment, and trust can thrive. Here’s how:
Culture isn’t just something that happens to us. It’s something we create, every single day, through our choices. Choose Your Attitude is about recognizing that we have control over how we show up—regardless of circumstances.
Even when things are challenging, choosing to bring a positive, solution-oriented mindset can shift the energy of an entire team. When leaders model this, employees follow.
Disengagement often comes from people feeling invisible—like their contributions don’t matter. The fastest way to turn this around? Be There for each other.
This means fully listening when someone speaks, putting distractions aside, and showing up with presence and care. It applies to leaders being available to their teams, employees supporting one another, and teams engaging fully in their work.
A workplace where people feel truly seen and heard is a workplace where people want to be.
One of the simplest ways to elevate your culture is by making people feel valued. Make Their Day is about small acts of kindness—offering appreciation, celebrating wins, or simply acknowledging someone’s efforts.
Recognition doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. A genuine “thank you,” a handwritten note, or a shoutout in a meeting can shift someone’s entire day—and, over time, shift your culture.
Work doesn’t have to be a grind. Play is about bringing curiosity, fun, and innovation into your culture. It’s not about goofing off—it’s about creating an environment where people feel free to be creative, experiment, and enjoy their work.
When people are encouraged to bring a sense of play into their work—whether it’s through problem-solving, brainstorming, or team interactions—they become more engaged, innovative, and willing to contribute.
The key takeaway? You don’t need a massive, complicated strategy to improve your workplace culture. The biggest transformations happen through small, intentional shifts practiced consistently.
When you and your team are intentional about Choose Your Attitude, Be There, Make Their Day and Play, you create a culture where people feel connected, engaged, and inspired. And that’s where real results—higher performance, better collaboration, and deeper fulfillment—begin.
So start today. Start small. And watch how quickly your workplace transforms.
John
#WorkplaceCulture