Leadership Matters (A Reminder)

Leadership sets the tone for a team and determines whether or not they have clear outcomes. A great leader inspires their people to pursue a common goal while living into a set of core values, key habits, and respectful practices. While there are lots of people who are put in charge, many of them forget to go all-in on leading their people. Great leaders create a great culture. They invest in the future of the organization, preparing it for the next generation of leaders.

Culture is the “personality” of a group or organization, and it can have a big impact on how well things run. It can and will have an even bigger impact on whether people stay. Great cultures challenge their people to give their very best. They challenge people to chase something that brings them fulfillment and joy.

When a leader is strong and effective, they can help create a positive culture. They can set a good example for others to follow, and they can make sure that everyone is working towards the same goal. The leader is the catalyst for the culture. Culture ALWAYS starts at the top and works its way down through the organization. This isn’t to say that a few “wrong hires” don’t happen. Rather, it says that when a wrong hire happens, the leader has the strength of character to protect the culture and the people in it who are pursuing the right outcomes.

On the other hand, if a leader is weak or ineffective, they can create a negative culture. They might not set a good example for others to follow, and they might not make sure that everyone is working towards the same goal. A weak leader thinks the position is about them. They take advantage of their people, or they don’t behave in the manner they desire to see from their teams. This leads to a less productive and successful group or organization, higher turnover, and disengaged employees.

Leadership directly impacts culture because the leader sets the tone for the group and helps guide them in the right direction. A strong and effective leader can create a positive culture, while a weak or ineffective leader can create a negative culture.

So, if you’re a leader or want to be a leader, remember that your actions and decisions do have a big impact on the culture of your group or organization. Make sure to set a good example and lead by example, and always keep the right outcomes in focus.