Culture isn’t always written in a handbook or spoken in team meetings — it’s lived in the small, everyday moments. The tone you set, the actions you ignore, and the behaviors you reward (or fail to address) all shape the culture around you. Every leader communicates what’s acceptable, often without saying a word.

I once worked with a leader who was proud of her “high-performing” team. On paper, everything looked great: the numbers, the projects, the outcomes. But behind the results were eye rolls, whispered frustrations, and employees walking on eggshells around one dominant voice. She didn’t realize her silence was sending a message: this behavior is okay here.

The truth is, culture is what you tolerate. When you overlook dismissive comments, missed deadlines, or subtle disrespect, you send a message that performance matters more than people. Avoiding hard conversations might keep the peace in the moment, but it slowly erodes trust and safety. Over time, those small moments compound into a culture that feels guarded and disconnected.

Here are three actionable tips you can start today to prevent creating an unhealthy culture:

Address the Small Things Early

Culture erodes quietly. When you notice subtle tension, dismissive behavior, or lack of follow-through, address it early and directly. It’s easier to have a five-minute check-in today than a full team reset six months from now. Your silence teaches as loudly as your words. Use it wisely.

Ask for Honest Feedback and Listen Without Defensiveness

Your team sees things you can’t. Create safe moments to ask, “What’s one thing I could do differently as your leader?” Then resist the urge to explain or justify — just listen. Modeling openness to feedback shows that accountability isn’t a threat; it’s a value.

Align Actions With Values Daily

If you say you value collaboration, invite quieter voices into the discussion. If you value well-being, model boundaries and rest. The culture you build isn’t shaped by big declarations — it’s shaped by small, consistent behaviors that prove you mean what you say.

Every leader, no matter how well-intentioned, builds a hidden culture through the behavior they allow. Unchecked patterns speak louder than any mission statement. If you value collaboration but allow certain voices to dominate, your team learns that hierarchy trumps inclusion. If you preach well-being but reward overwork, your team learns that burnout is the price of belonging. The culture you tolerate becomes the culture you teach.

So, pause and reflect: What are you currently tolerating that might be shaping your team’s unspoken norms?

Remember, the healthiest cultures are honest. And honesty starts when leaders choose to notice what’s really happening, and take responsibility for the culture they’re creating — even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you want to build a culture rooted in trust and accountability, explore Level Up Your Leadership Potential free strategy call and Unlocking Your Leadership DNA™.  Let’s talk about the kind of culture you want to create — and the leader you want to become — in the year ahead.