009-Your Role in Culture: Five Ways to Make an Impact

Culture isn't a department. It's a daily practice. In this episode of Beyond the Class, Misty Janks, CEO of the Chapman Foundation, returns to tackle a common misconception: that organizational culture belongs only to HR or leadership. Misty reminds us that culture is a lived experience shaped by every interaction—every email, meeting, and hallway conversation. She shares five actionable steps that anyone can take to make culture everyone's responsibility: • Lead by example—model trust, respect, and accountability. • Foster meaningful connections—because culture thrives on relationships, not just processes. • Communicate with transparency and trust—and learn the four elements that make trust stick. • Take ownership of problems and solutions—move from commentary to contribution. • Recognize and reinforce positive behaviors—because people repeat what is appreciated. From connection questions to stay interviews, Misty shows how intentional actions—big and small—create a workplace where trust grows, and people feel they matter. LEVEL UP OPPORTUNITY: Pick one of these five steps and put it into action this week. Write it on a sticky note, set a reminder, and make it happen. Ownership starts with you. Creating a culture of accountability and trust is a cornerstone of our Caring Workplaces program and our foundational class, Our Community Transforms. Visit the link below to learn more. Note: You must be an alumnus of Our Community Listens to register for Our Community Transforms. RELATED RESOURCES: • Beyond The Class - 006-Rebuilding Trust When You've Messed Up (https://www.chapmancommunities.org/bt...) • Beyond The Class - 005-How To Build An Ownership Mindset (https://www.chapmancommunities.org/bt...) • Our Community Transforms - Learn More (https://www.chapmancommunities.org/le...) BLOG: Organizational Culture: Everyone's Responsibility (https://www.chapmancommunities.org/or...) KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Everyday actions, not just policies, shape culture. • Everyone—not just HR or leadership—owns culture. • Five steps: Lead by example, build connections, communicate with trust, take ownership, and recognize positive behaviors. • Trust grows through competence, caring, commitment, and consistency. • Appreciation drives repetition—recognize what's working. • Small actions compound into cultural norms.