Culture Isn’t Built at Offsites
We often think culture is built in the big moments… team offsites, retreats, and annual events.
But in reality, it’s the small, everyday interactions that matter most.
In this week’s Two-Minute Tip, I share a simple reminder inspired by our recent Spring Break, and three practical ways you can be more intentional in the moments that actually shape your team’s experience.
If you want a stronger, more connected team, the question isn’t “What’s the next bit team thing we’re doing?” Instead, it’s “How am I showing up for my team today?”
P.S. I’m still a big believer in team offsites and those larger moments. They create space for connection and alignment you can’t always get day to day. But those moments are only effective when they reinforce what’s already happening in the everyday.
It’s a bit like a parent who only sets work aside to connect with their child on a big trip to Disneyland, but isn’t as present in the day to day. The trip is memorable, but it’s the daily interactions that shape the relationship and family culture.
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We just wrapped up Spring Break and last year we went to Mexico to an all-inclusive resort. This year we stayed home. Now you may think that this year was not as great as last year, but actually I would argue it might have been even better.
We chose to soak up the smaller moments. To be present with each other. Play games around the table, go on family walks together. And yes, we did make it to the lake and the girls went surfing in low 40 degree water.
But it was this reminder that so often we focus on creating the big moments. The team offsite, the summer team picnic, these big annual parties. When in fact it's the daily moments that matter most.
Your culture isn't built in the big offsite. It's built in the everyday interactions.
So here are a couple of ways to think about how to really take advantage of those smaller moments. First of all, make sure your one-on-ones feel like they matter. It's not just a check the box event. Instead, you are fully present and engaged in those regular one-on-one meetings with your employees.
Second, acknowledge work real-time. Don't wait for the annual review. Don't wait for a big formal moment of recognition. Instead, call it out as it happens.
And a third idea is to close the loop on things that you know matter to your team members. If they shared about something going on with their kiddo, follow up with them later and ask how it went. If they shared that they were anxious about a client meeting or a presentation, again, close the loop. Follow up and ask how it went.
Show that you were listening and that you care by closing the loop on things that matter to them.
The question you should be asking isn't what's the next big team thing we're doing? Instead, it's how am I showing up for my team today?