When 'Just a Minute' Becomes a Culture: The Power of Our Daily Habits at Work

Hey LinkedIn family! It’s been a while since I last wrote an article on Linkedin! Today, I’m diving into something that’s seemingly small yet incredibly impactful in our work lives – how tiny habits can silently sculpt the culture of our workplaces.

Let’s paint a picture with a real-life character many of us will recognise. Meet ‘Andy’, our fictional yet familiar colleague. Andy is brilliant – a true wizard in sales. But he’s also known for something else: his casual strolls into the office, a few minutes past the hour, every day. Harmless, right? Maybe not.

This is where the plot thickens. Andy’s 'harmlessly late' routine starts setting an unintended precedent. People begin to wonder: 'If Andy can be late and still be the star, why sweat a few minutes here and there?' It's not about Andy, or even those few minutes. It's about the message it sends across the board – that rules are, perhaps, optional for some.

But wait, I’m not here to play the timekeeper. Far from it. It's about understanding the bigger picture. When we let these small things slide for one, especially high performers, it subtly shifts the entire team’s perspective. The danger? It can sow seeds of 'unequal treatment', breeding a culture of 'why not me too?'

Now, imagine if Andy, with all his sales superpowers, chooses to respect the clock. That single change in habit from him could ripple across the team, setting a powerful precedent. It's about mutual respect, accountability, and yes, even punctuality, regardless of one's status in the pecking order.

In my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve seen how these small habits can either build or bruise a team's spirit. Creating a culture where everyone, from the intern to the CEO, plays by the same rules is not just fair – it’s empowering. It fosters a sense of unity, respect, and collective responsibility.

So, here’s a thought to ponder: What are the 'small' habits at your workplace/business, and what story are they telling about your culture? Are they weaving a tapestry of fairness and respect, or something else?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories.