We may not play in actual sandboxes much as adults, but the simple lessons learnt on a playground stay remarkably relevant when you’re leading a company. Disregard them at your peril.
As a CEO; as a leader, your role is crucial in creating a workplace culture that fosters growth, creativity, and happiness. Think of your company as a sandbox, where everyone gets to play and build together.
The culture of your sandbox is defined by what you tolerate. Do you tolerate bullies, arrogance, fear, shouting, stealing, hitting, kicking sand, and other negative behaviors? Or do you strive to create a positive and collaborative environment that promotes teamwork, individuality, creativity, and fun?
If we can foster a positive environment in the playground, why can't we do the same in the workplace?
Sometimes, breaking behaviors down to their simplest form, the way we would for children, helps us take a clear, honest look inside our organization and inside ourselves.
It's important to be intentional in your approach to creating a positive culture. Define what you want your workplace to look like, what you want it to feel like, and what values you want to promote. If you don't take control, someone else will, and the culture will be defined for you.
Will your sandbox be a place that makes room for all kinds of people to play or shuts people out? Will you choose to lift each other up or put people down? Will you choose to create a sandbox of support and accountability, or a sandbox of blame and selfishness?
So, choose your sandbox wisely! Pick one that brings out the best in you and your team. Remember, a positive culture not only attracts the right kind of people, but it also helps everyone shine, grow, and achieve their full potential.
Who wouldn't want to come to work every day with a smile on their face and the excitement of being part of a team that values each other and works together to achieve great things?