Front-Line Leadership

CHAPTER 10Building a Positive Workplace Culture

A positive workplace culture is essential for the well‐being and overall success of an organization. I've experienced both sides of the coin when it comes to the culture of an organization, positive ones and negative ones, and I would imagine you have as well. Organizations that have a positive culture are defined by an atmosphere that fosters employee well‐being, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. This contributes to high morale, job satisfaction, and overall organizational success.

The word “culture” can sometimes be seen as a part of an organization that is out of our control as individuals. But it doesn't matter what our position or title is—we can all have an impact. Just as one bad apple can spoil a bunch, I honestly believe that one person has the ability to have an outsized positive impact on an organization's culture by demonstrating the right behaviors on a consistent basis and influencing others to do the same.

In this chapter, we're going to explore not only the benefits of a positive workplace culture and what it actually looks like, but also some very practical tips that you as an individual can start using today. We'll take a look at some real‐world examples of organizational cultures—some of which have succeeded better than others.

Why a Positive Workplace Culture Matters

When we work for an organization that has a negative culture, it takes a toll on us not only as employees but also as people. It's ...