When it comes to culture, many assume that we need to look up or at the messaging that’s being promoted. What’s the CEO saying? What values are posted on the company website and elevator banks? Those are definite indicators of corporate culture but team culture is built much closer to home—in the daily choices, conversations, and actions leaders model for their teams.
Company culture sets the tone. Team culture sets the experience. And as a leader, you have more influence than you think.
The good news? You don’t have to wait for a big top-down initiative. Culture isn’t a mandate—it’s a daily choice. And at The Roundtable, we’ve seen some of the most powerful shifts happen when leaders shape culture intentionally, from the inside out.
Why Team Culture Isn’t Just a Top-Down Thing
We hear this all the time: “I want to build a great culture, but the company values feel disconnected from our reality.”
That disconnect is real. Company culture is often driven by brand, vision, and executive-level goals. But team culture? That’s the everyday reality. It’s how safe people feel speaking up. Their sense of purpose, the belief that their work matters. How they treat each other under pressure.
Even in strong organizations, team cultures vary widely—and that usually comes down to the leader.
So if corporate culture feels out of reach, here’s the empowering truth: you set the tone inside your four walls.
3 Micro-Culture Levers Every Leader Can Pull
The beauty of team culture is that it’s built in small, intentional choices. You don’t need a budget or an executive sponsor to shift the energy on your team. You just need to focus on what’s in your control. Here are three culture-shaping levers you can pull starting today:
- Rituals: What You Repeatedly Prioritize
Rituals are more than habits—they’re cues for what matters. Whether it’s “win of the week” check-ins or team reflections, rituals shape rhythm and meaning.
Try this: Add a “Pause + Reflect” to end meetings. Ask, “What worked well today?” and “What can we carry forward?”
- Language: What You Call Things Matters
Language shapes mindset. Do you talk about “failures” or “experiments”? Call someone “difficult” or “courageous”? Subtle shifts have a big impact.
Try this: Swap blame-based questions for curiosity cues. Ask, “What’s the learning here?” instead of “What went wrong?”
- Feedback: How You Foster Growth
Feedback isn’t just performance—it’s trust. High-performing teams give and receive feedback regularly. And it starts with leaders going first.
Try this: Add a “feedback forward” moment to your 1:1s. Ask, “What’s one thing I could do differently to support you?”
What Culture Are You Creating?
At the end of the day, your team’s culture is shaped less by what you say and more by what you consistently do. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already building a culture. Leadership isn’t about controlling everything—it’s about shaping the environment so people can thrive. And when leaders take ownership of team culture, they often find that transformation ripples far beyond their immediate circle.
Curious about how to build a team culture that’s grounded in trust, connection, and accountability? Our Team Coaching Programs are designed to help leaders like you become culture catalysts—no corporate overhaul required.
And if you want to take the first step towards moving your team from good to great, sign up for our complimentary Team Coaching Micro Course now. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the foundations of team effectiveness—from alignment and purpose to trust and accountability.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly ideas on how to lead from the inside out.
