I’ve been thinking about something lately — something that keeps me up at night, honestly.
Culture doesn’t crumble overnight. It breaks down slowly, quietly, when we ignore the little things. It’s not always what we see that hurts us… it’s what we allow to go unseen. The moments we overlook. The behaviors we excuse. The conversations we avoid. All of these shape our culture far more than any mission statement ever could.
After 43 years in this business, I’ve learned this: If we want a strong, lasting culture, we must be intentional. It starts with our values — our character commitments. Values make decision-making simple, even when life gets complicated. They keep us aligned in how we serve our customers, how we treat each other, and how we show up every day.
But here’s what I want to share with you today — three truths about culture that I’ve seen proven time and again.
Your Personal Consistency Creates Organizational Clarity
Culture starts with you. With me. With each of us individually.
When you consistently show up on time, honor commitments, and communicate with integrity — others know what to expect. That predictability builds trust. I’ve watched this happen countless times: When a leader consistently recognizes their team for small wins, that consistency becomes contagious. It sets the tone for a culture of appreciation rather than one of criticism.
Think about it. Your team is watching. Not just what you say in meetings, but how you live out your values when the pressure is on. When deadlines are tight. When customers are frustrated. That’s when culture is really defined.
It’s Not About What You Say — It’s About What You Repeat
Our culture is built in daily rhythms. The meetings. The 1-on-1s. The small reminders about excellence, character, and care.
Repetition reinforces value. This is why we don’t mention our Character Commitments once a year at orientation and call it done. We weave them into how we lead, hire, train, and coach — because repetition transforms ideas into identity.
Leadership is not about chasing perfection; it’s about driving progress. It’s not what you say once in a meeting — it’s what you repeat through your daily actions. Are we modeling what we’re asking others to become? That’s the question that matters.
Correction Isn’t Criticism — It’s Care in Action
Here’s something we need to get right: A healthy culture redefines confrontation. Confrontation isn’t conflict — it’s care. It’s having the courage to address what needs to be said so growth can happen.
When expectations are clear and feedback is honest, people feel safe to grow. Accountability is not about tearing someone down — it’s about lifting them higher with truth and support. Clarity creates safety.
Think about a coach who corrects an athlete mid-practice. They’re not being harsh; they care too much to let mediocrity take root. The same is true for us. Honest feedback builds champions — not complainers.
Leadership is not measured by what happens in your presence, but by what remains in your absence.
That truth has stuck with me for years. Because a lasting culture doesn’t appear overnight. It’s built through intention, repetition, and clarity. Let’s keep showing up with consistency, reinforcing what matters most, and having the courage to care enough to correct.
I want us to build a culture that lasts — because the Etech culture is worth protecting.
