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Whenever we talk about culture, we often hear, “We’re too small to need culture work,” or “We’re a small company; we’ve got it covered.” But here’s the reality: you’re too small not to focus on culture. When you only have 20 or 50 people, for example, every interaction matters more – the impact is potentially greater. Consider the difference between throwing a rock into a large puddle and how the…

August is National Civility Month! Civility has recently climbed to the top of search trends, and with SHRM’s #CivilityAtWork initiative, the conversation is gaining real traction. But here’s the question: do you truly understand what civility means in the workplace? And do you know how to build a culture of civility? We’ve been building positive workplace cultures for nearly two decades, and civility has always been at the core of…

According to a Pew Research Center study, 79% of Americans interact with artificial intelligence (AI) almost constantly or several times a day. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 80% of enterprises will be using generative AI in some form. That means we’re not just working alongside AI. We’re living with it. Someone tagged me in a LinkedIn post recently, where she admitted to sometimes being rude to AI. I thought, “What…

At its core, civility is the foundation of a thriving culture. It shapes how people communicate, lead, resolve tension, and show up, especially when challenges arise. Civility doesn’t look the same everywhere, however. What feels respectful in one culture might come across as distant in another. Some teams value directness, while others lean toward diplomacy. Leaders bring their own styles. Norms vary from region to region. And still, no matter…

You already know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of workplace “drama.” Complaints about rudeness, tension between team members, and employees quietly disengaging are all part of the daily grind. You know it’s expensive. You know it’s draining for you to deal with it.  What you may not know is just how much it’s happening.  According to SHRM’s Civility Index, millions of acts of incivility occur…

Cultural missteps happen to everyone, even the most seasoned leaders and global brands.  Recently, American Eagle launched a campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney with the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes.” The pun on “jeans” was meant to be playful, but it quickly sparked backlash. Critics pointed out that pairing the phrase with Sweeney’s blonde, blue-eyed image promoted eugenics and took us back some steps on the more body-positive movements…

Companies across industries are changing how they talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Not too long ago, DEI was splashed across annual reports, websites, and conference stages. Now? The phrase itself has become a political lightning rod, and many organizations are now rebranding under new labels. Instead of DEI, you’ll see “Inclusive Workplaces,” “Employee Experience,” “Wellbeing,” or “Belonging.” Why the shift? Because DEI has become a political football. Politicians,…

What was once applauded as both smart business and the right thing to do has suddenly become controversial. Yep, I’m talking about DEI. It’s disheartening to see that what was once celebrated is now being treated as expendable. But when inclusion takes a back seat, so do innovation, engagement, and retention. Because whether you call it DEI or not, your workforce needs well-being and psychological safety. People need to know…