The start of the year brings a burst of energy. It’s when leadership teams set goals, reset priorities, and try to hit the ground running. But before we dive too deep into 2026, I’ve been thinking about what really makes a company feel like a place people belong and want to contribute to.
In my experience, the best companies don’t just run well. They feel alive with purpose, alignment, and a sense that the work actually means something. They’re places where the values are lived and where people trust that the work they’re doing is making an impact.
Creating that kind of culture takes clarity, consistency, and commitment from leadership. What I’ve learned from leaders like Garry Ridge is that when you treat your company like a tribe instead of just a team, people start showing up differently.
Read more in Tribe-First Leadership: Building a Culture People Want to Be a Part Of.
When you create a culture built around belonging, accountability shifts from something leaders enforce to something people share. They step up, speak up, and take ownership because they believe the work matters.
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