Colonel’s Culture Compilation Volume 12 (November 2025)

COL. (R) Tony McConnell’s roundup of local and national stories about how companies focus on culture to increase employee engagement, retention and productivity. 

An Irresistible Workplace isn’t built through random acts of goodwill—it’s shaped through a cohesive culture. At the Irresistible Workplace Initiative, we focus on Six Key Components that bring this culture to life: Leadership, Feedback, Growth, Balance, Compensation, and Recognition. Each plays a vital role, and together, they create a place where people want to stay and thrive.

This month, we’re shining a light on Leadership. Jim Collins recently defined leadership as “the art of getting people to want to do what must be done.” Effective leadership is the cornerstone of an irresistible workplace. Leaders set the tone for the organizational culture by modeling values, shaping expectations, and fostering a sense of purpose. When leaders are transparent, empathetic, and accountable, they create an environment of psychological safety where team members feel heard, respected, and empowered. This builds trust, which is essential for high-performing teams and strong retention. Moreover, effective leaders actively support growth and development, recognize contributions, and champion work-life balance—not as perks, but as integral components of a thriving culture. By consistently aligning actions with words and leading with intention, leaders become the driving force behind workplaces that people are excited to join and reluctant to leave.

Here are a few articles that highlight the importance of Leadership in shaping workplace culture:

Brené Brown and Adam Grant Say the Best Leaders Do This. Mediocre Managers Do the Opposite Brené Brown and Adam Grant argue that the best leaders are curious learners who ask insightful questions and remain open to changing their minds. In contrast, mediocre managers act like “knowers” who pretend to have all the answers, which stifles growth. Effective leadership involves listening deeply, confirming understanding through “playback,” and fostering genuine human connection.

Stop choosing between being a friend or leader. Do both - Fast Company The article argues that leaders shouldn't choose between being a friend or a boss—effective leadership blends both. Building trust-based relationships enhances collaboration, decision-making, and resilience, especially in high-pressure environments. By fostering empathy alongside accountability, leaders create stronger, more innovative teams.

How to Keep Your Team's Core Values Intact While Scaling Fast — or Risk Your Business Failing To preserve core values while scaling rapidly, businesses must document their origin story, treat heritage as a source of innovation, and embed meaningful rituals into daily operations. Leaders should balance bold growth with cultural continuity, making preservation a strategic priority to build lasting trust and resilience.

The Underrated Power of ‘Glue Employees’ Who Hold Everything Together Glue employees are emotionally intelligent team members who quietly foster collaboration, anticipate needs, and help others succeed without seeking recognition. Though their contributions often go unnoticed by traditional metrics, they are essential to team cohesion and performance. Leaders who identify and reward these individuals unlock greater trust, alignment, and collective success.

An Introduction to Strategic Leadership: Part I • The Havok Journal The article outlines the core responsibilities of strategic leadership, emphasizing the importance of analyzing external and internal factors—such as diplomacy, military, economics, and information—to guide organizational decisions. It highlights that effective strategic leaders anticipate threats, mentor future leaders, and continuously develop their competencies to ensure long-term success.

Intro to Strategic Leadership Part II: Military Leadership • The Havok Journal The article emphasizes that strategic leadership requires a deep understanding of external and internal environments—such as diplomatic, informational, military, and economic factors—to shape long-term organizational success. It underscores the importance of mentoring future leaders, anticipating challenges, and continuously refining leadership skills to remain effective in complex, evolving contexts.

Intro to Strategic Leadership Part III: Cultural Considerations • The Havok Journal The article highlights the critical role of cultural competence in strategic leadership, especially in global security contexts. It contrasts the success of T.E. Lawrence, who embraced Middle Eastern tribal culture, with the failures of Paul Bremer in Iraq, underscoring how cultural ignorance can undermine alliances and fuel instability.