Culture isn’t built in the spotlight. It’s built in the daily slog.

I had some fascinating conversations with a few founders and business leaders last week that made me think deeply about culture, and especially its true foundation.

While clear, authentic communication is absolutely critical to building a values-driven culture (I would say that, wouldn't I?), the real bedrock is something far less glamorous: simple, sometimes-boring, often difficult consistency.

Culture isn't forged in the short-term, and it isn't really built in the big, showy moments either. It’s built on the mundane decisions of everyday business life.

It’s built when leaders exhibit an unwavering resolve, making values-driven choices at every single turn. Sometimes those decisions are easy and obvious, sometimes they aren’t so obvious, and sometimes the right decision is obvious but also just damn hard!

Handling those moments with a steadfast commitment to your values, day after day, month after month, and year after year is what deeply embeds a culture. It’s this slow, hard work that cascades through the company, moving your values from what you say you do to what you actually do.

It’s the ultimate test of integrity and the engine of genuine cultural strength.

It’s made me think about what our responsibility is as internal comms people when we’re lucky enough to work with leaders who get this?

• Make sure these leaders understand the shadow they cast and how important it is – even when they don’t see it
• Amplify the messages they give in the micro moments - even when it’s uncomfortable for them
• Meet them with the same conviction of purpose that they bring – even when it’s hard
• Make sure all the messaging that lives under their name carries the same dedication and relentless pursuit as their everyday actions – even when it seems repetitive or there’s a shinier thing in the corner of your eye.