Episode 75: You Get What You Tolerate: Building, Protecting, and Defending Your Culture
Episode 75
You Get What You Tolerate: Building, Protecting, and Defending Your Culture
Episode Summary
Culture is one of those things every leader talks about but few can actually define. This episode cuts through the noise — what culture really is, how a single person can destroy it faster than anyone expects, and what separates leaders who protect their culture from those who lose it. With three concrete actions to take before it's too late.
Key Points:
Culture is defined by what you do, not what you say Values on the wall mean nothing if they aren't reflected in daily decisions and behavior. Culture is always present — the only question is whether you're shaping it intentionally.
One misaligned person can unravel what took years to build It starts small — a little hesitation, a little tolerance — and compounds faster than most leaders expect. By the time it's obvious, the damage is already done.
Protecting your culture is an active responsibility, not a passive one Strong culture doesn't maintain itself — it requires deliberate decisions about who you hire, who you promote, and what you're willing to address. Waiting for things to resolve on their own is itself a decision, and your team is watching.
Resources
Blog Posts:
Related Episodes
Core Values That Stick: From Empty Promises to Everyday Actions
Cracks in the Foundation: 3 Common Culture Killers That Destroy Your Team
Listen
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About Jacquie:
Jacquie is the founder of Leadership and Life by Kayric Inc, where she blends the best of teaching, leadership, and the occasional The West Wing reference to help non-profits and small business build strong leaders and healthy teams. Utilizing DISC and The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive team, combined with teaching knowledge and experience, Jacquie strives to empower leaders with the skills no one taught them and to create teams who want to work together.
Formerly a junior high teacher (who loves teenagers), Jacquie brings a decade of classroom wisdom, ten years corporate training experience, a growth mindset, and a sprinkle of mild rebellion to her dynamic approach.
In her free time, Jacquie channels her passion for community improvement by volunteering with school councils, serving on non-profit boards, and generally finding ways to make her corner of the world a better place. You can also find her on the side of a soccer pitch, at Remedy Café or in her scrapbook room.
