"The culture of any organization is shaped by the worst behavior the leader is willing to tolerate."—Gruenter and Whitaker

Culture doesn’t happen by accident. It is created, reinforced, and perpetuated by what leaders permit, reward, and ignore. This powerful quote by Gruenter and Whitaker serves as a reminder that leaders are the gatekeepers of organizational culture. The behaviors you allow, whether actively or passively, set the tone for what is acceptable and what is not.

"Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation." -Doris Kearns Goodwin

Great leaders know that they don’t have all the answers. They recognize the value of diverse perspectives and understand that true progress happens when different voices are brought to the table. The quote above captures a foundational principle of effective leadership: creating an environment where people feel safe to challenge ideas, offer dissenting views, and contribute their unique insights without fear of retaliation.

True leadership is rooted in service. The quote, “If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you,” reminds us that great leaders are not above the people they lead, they are among them. Leadership is not about dominance or hierarchy; it’s about humility, empathy, and the willingness to roll up your sleeves and serve the greater good.

In leadership, energy is everything. It's the invisible currency we exchange in every interaction, every decision, and every choice we make. While we may not fully comprehend how electricity lights up our homes or how calls are made across the globe without a visible cord, we trust the systems behind them. Energy in our lives works in much the same way. What you put out into the world, whether positive or negative, will inevitably return to you, often in ways that are far beyond your immediate understanding.

Trust is the foundation of any successful team, as Simon Sinek reminds us: "A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other." Leaders who prioritize trust create environments where collaboration thrives, accountability is shared, and challenges are met with resilience. This article explores the importance of trust, common behaviors that erode it, and actionable strategies to build a team rooted in mutual respect and authenticity.