What your culture is really like shows up when things go wrong……….

Something happened last weekend – my car had to be towed to a recovery yard late at night, 80km from home. What happened the following day is an experience I would not want anyone to go through, yet it reminds me of poor workplace culture.

I had done nothing wrong. I followed the process, sought permission, and simply needed help. Instead, I was made to feel like a problem and put in a dangerous situation. I was polite, calm, and focused on resolving the issue safely.

Yet I was made to feel like a problem. Like an inconvenience. Like I was somehow at fault.

More than that, I was put in danger. The manner in which I was spoken to, the threats I received, and the aggressive behaviour I witnessed left me fearful for my, and my daughter's safety.

This experience has stayed with me because it speaks volumes about culture.

• Culture is how people behave when no one is watching;
• Culture is how power is exercised in moments of stress;
• Culture is whether someone in need is treated with dignity or contempt.

As managers and leaders, we often underestimate the impact of our actions - and our tone - on others. Especially when those others are already under pressure, already vulnerable, already reliant on us.

I wouldn't want anyone to be in the position we were in that day…..and I certainly would not want to work for that company.

So as a manager or employee………Reflect on the impact of your actions on others.

• Not just the outcome - but the experience.
• Not just what you say - but how you make people feel.

Values only matter when they are tested…..and culture shows up most clearly when things go wrong. If you want support on bringing your Values to life or on transforming your culture, get in touch with me today: Denisecollins@forebee.ie