Workplace Traditions And Rituals

This Teacher Changes 30 Lives Each Morning Here's Why This Works Every morning, a teacher greets her students one by one - not with rules, but with choice: A hug, A high-five, a nod, or quiet. A ritual so simple. Yet it tells 30 children: You are seen. You are safe. You belong. Here’s what this teaches us about leadership - and how to apply it at work: 1. Honor Autonomy (Self-Determination Theory) When people get to choose how they engage, they show up with more agency. Autonomy isn’t about letting go of structure - it’s about giving room to opt in. Try this: 🔷 Let people set their own work cadence - async, deep focus, or collaborative sprints 🔷 Ask: “What support looks best for you right now?” *** 2. Create Micro-Moments of Connection (Broaden-and-Build Theory) We don’t need hour-long one-on-ones to build trust. A genuine check-in. A name spoken with intention. That’s the glue. Try this: 🔷 Pause to celebrate effort, not just outcomes - a quick voice note, a public thank-you 🔷 Remember small details - a kid’s soccer game, a partner’s surgery - and follow up *** 3. Signal Safety in Small Ways (Polyvagal Theory) The nervous system responds before the intellect does. Safety is felt first. And safe leaders create brave spaces. Try this: 🔷 Ask: “Is now a good time?” before giving feedback or asking for decisions 🔷 Stay calm and present, especially when tensions rise - your tone sets the tone *** 4. Design for Anticipatory Joy (Affective Forecasting) The brain lights up for what’s coming next. The ritual at the door gave students a reason to show up smiling. Try this: 🔷 Drop a kind, unexpected message in the team chat - just because 🔷 Celebrate mundane milestones - 100 days in the role, 50th client call, 1st brave no *** 5. Anchor Culture in Meaningful Rituals (Harvard Research on Rituals) Rituals are memory-makers. They codify values in action - they say, this is who we are. Try this: 🔷 End each quarter with storytelling: what stretched us? what did we learn? 🔷 Welcome new hires not with logistics, but with a story of your team's "why" *** This teacher didn’t redesign the curriculum. She redesigned how people enter the day. You don’t need a big title to lead like that - Just the courage to meet people at the door. 💬 What’s one ritual you’ve seen shift the energy of a space - or want to create where you work? 🔁 Repost to inspire kind actions in the workplace. 🔔 Follow Bhavna Toor for more on conscious leadership.

My secretary was awful. I hated being around her because I thought she was judgmental, curt and rude to everyone. Luckily, I dug a little deeper and found out she was scared to death of her new job because of her inexperience and she didn’t think anyone liked her. She was, naturally, outwardly quiet and cold. Perception is not always reality!   In Unreasonable Hospitality, Will Guidara introduces the concept of the “charitable assumption.” It’s the radical idea of choosing to believe the best in others, even when their behavior could easily be taken the wrong way.   In law, where the pace is relentless and the stakes are sky-high, it’s easy to default to frustration or defensiveness. A colleague snaps at you. Opposing counsel sends a snarky email. A client goes silent.   Your instinct? “They’re being rude. Disrespectful. Lazy.”   But here’s the thing: most of the time, it’s not about you at all. That lawyer might be juggling a dying parent and a trial brief. The client might be terrified about their case and doesn’t know how to respond. The paralegal might be running on two hours of sleep.   The charitable assumption doesn’t mean you ignore problems or avoid hard conversations. It means you lead with empathy, then address the issue with clarity.   Because when we assume the worst, we destroy trust and escalate conflict. When we assume the best, we preserve relationships, foster collaboration, and build a culture where excellence and humanity can coexist.   The next time you feel your blood pressure rise, try this: pause, breathe, and ask yourself, “What if there’s more to their story than I can see?”   This single mindset shift could be the most powerful strategy you bring to the table as a lawyer, and as a human being.   #Leadership #Lawyers #Empathy #LegalProfession #UnreasonableHospitality

Wear your hair straight for the interview, then once you have the job you can wear your hair however you want. That was the advice my father gave me as a recent graduate searching for my first “real” job. I know at the time my father was trying to protect me and was giving me the best advice he could. But while well meaning this seemingly helpful advice reveals a deeper, systemic issue: hair discrimination in the workplace. This subtle yet powerful form of raci$m, forces Black women to contort their authentic selves to fit into a mold of acceptability defined by Eurocentric standards. We negotiate these unspoken norms every day, shaping and reshaping our identities, constantly deciding how much of our true selves we are willing to share with the world. But should we? 🤔 The answer is complex because it is tied to survival, acceptance, and success in spaces that often do not celebrate or understand the diversity of Black beauty. But still, I believe you should embrace your authenticity. Not only because it is a radical act of self-love and resistance, but because by doing so, you expand the narrow definitions of what is considered professional. 👑As Black women, our hair is a crown - a versatile testament to our heritage, our resilience, our creativity, and our pride. Our braids, our locs, our curls, and our coils are not just styles - they’re powerful declarations of our individuality and cultural identity. 💁🏾♀️ But please note, showing up in the workplace as your authentic self is free but it ain’t cheap. It may ❌draw attention, ❌incite microaggressions, ❌or even impact career progression. But remember - by standing tall in our truth, we inspire change. We challenge outdated norms. We create space for those who will come after us. We need to continue to use our voices, our stories, and our influence to change perceptions and dismantle biases. So Sis, walk into that interview with your head held high, your skills in focus, and your natural hair undeniably beautiful. The only thing shrinking should be your curls. IYKYK Most importantly, remember beloved : your hair is not a hindrance, it’s a heritage. ✊🏾 Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. #liftingasweclimb2024 #hireblack #authenticity 👋🏾Hi, I’m Faith my fav hairstyle was my locs. I’m SO tempted to grow them back but the way my patience is set up..🥴 I’m also a Healthcare DEI Visionary and founder of the Lifting as We Climb Black Women in Healthcare Leadership Symposium 2024 I’d love to stay in touch! Here’s how : 💖Follow me here on LinkedIn! #️⃣Follow my hashtag #liftingasweclimb2024. ⚡️Click the link in my profile to get more information on the conference. 🔔 Ring the bell on my profile so you never miss a post. ✨Like, comment, and share this post if it resonates with you!

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 Ok, so they are not the ONLY factor in company culture, but they are quite important!! Rituals can vary widely depending on the company's culture, goals, and the nature of its work, but they could look something like this: 👥 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐮𝐩𝐬: A brief daily meeting where team members share their priorities for the day and any obstacles they might be facing. This ritual fosters transparency, accountability, and collaboration. 🎉 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬: A weekly gathering, either virtual or in-person, where employees share their achievements from the week, no matter how small. This practice encourages recognition and appreciation among team members. 🎯 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: A monthly meeting dedicated to reflecting on the past month's successes and challenges and setting intentions or goals for the upcoming month. This ritual can help in continuous improvement and goal alignment. 🥗 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬: Regularly scheduled sessions where team members come together to share knowledge, skills, or insights, often over lunch. These can include internal presentations, guest speakers, or group discussions on relevant topics. 🎂 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬: Establishing rituals around celebrating birthdays, work anniversaries, or significant milestones. These can range from simple acknowledgments to more elaborate gatherings, emphasizing the value of each team member. 🧘♂️ 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬: Starting meetings with a minute of silence, deep breathing, or a short mindfulness exercise to center the group and reduce stress. The most effective rituals help to bring people closer. They are shared experiences, which help people to bond. If you look around, you might see that you have some rituals in place already. Consider the bonding that happens...and whether it could be strengthened. 🤔 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 👉 Always take into account diverse backgrounds and needs. 👉 Ensure chosen rituals align with the desired culture 👉 Make rituals visible and recognized within the organization 👉 Encourage active participation from all team members 👉 Rotate responsibilities for leading or organizing the rituals 👉 Decide on a regular schedule and stick to it 👉 Be open to making adjustments based on feedback By thoughtfully designing and implementing shared rituals, organizations can strengthen team bonds, enhance communication, and cultivate a positive and cohesive workplace culture 🚀 What rituals support a positive culture in your organization? Share your experiences below 🙏 #rituals #habits #workplaceculture #culture #culturematters #routines #positiveworkenvironment #positiveworkculture Image source: https://lnkd.in/e_zGe_WQ Image credit: Shane Snow

Dressing up for the office is a personal choice. Recently, I hired a new team member who was unsure about what to wear. She mentioned that in her previous job, only black and white dresses were allowed. On her induction day, I wore a sleeveless black lace blouse and a sari. She found it both shocking and relieving. This made me reflect on the importance of personal choices in office attire. ➡️ How we present ourselves in the office is personal. Dressing up is a form of self-expression and empowerment. I enjoy dressing up with pink eyeliner, large earrings, and makeup.  However, there are days when I opt for shorts and a basic tee due to workload or lack of time. My partner often wears shorts to work and asks if it’s appropriate. I always tell him that as long as he feels productive and comfortable, it’s fine. ➡️ I also feel a strict dress code can create unnecessary stress. Employees might worry about what to wear rather than focusing on their work. Flexibility in dress codes can alleviate this stress, leading to a more relaxed and productive work environment. When employees feel comfortable, they perform better and are more creative. ➡️ I remember how a former boss of mine dressed very stylishly, inspiring me to do the same.  How you present yourself influences how you are treated. I feel that it's important to ensure the workplace is inclusive and respectful of everyone's preferences and economic circumstances. Not everyone can afford fancy clothes, and comfort should always be prioritised. Creating an inclusive workplace means recognizing that not everyone has the same financial means or fashion sense. By prioritising comfort and authenticity, we can foster a more productive, inclusive, and positive work environment. -------------------------------------------------- Hi, I am Kavya Karnatac and I love talking about content creation. Follow me for more such insightful tips.

Hot take (but maybe, not really)...I think it’s time to get rid of dress codes. Not for safety. Not for uniforms. But for most workplaces, especially office-based ones, I think it’s time we ask (read: challenge), why are we still enforcing outdated ideas of what “professional” looks like? Yes, there’s a time and place for putting your best foot forward. Please don't turn up to your friend's wedding in jeans. But we’ve created an entire culture around dressing the part at work, and I don't know if we've stopped to question what “the part” actually is. A suit doesn’t make you MORE strategic. A pair of trainers doesn’t make you LESS competent. Smart-casual doesn’t guarantee good work, it just signals that you know the unspoken rules. And that’s the problem. From an inclusion perspective, dress codes often reinforce bias, class divides, and the sense that to belong here, you have to look like this. Here’s what I believe (and I'm happy to be challenged on it): We should let people dress in what they feel comfortable and confident in (within reason, of course). If someone WANTS to wear a suit, great. But no one should HAVE to. The real focus should be on what people do, not what they wear while doing it. This isn’t about scrapping standards, it’s about rethinking which standards actually matter. This is a conversation I was having with my friends over the bank holiday weekend, so I'd love to hear from others: • Do you agree? • Are there industries where this wouldn’t work? • What do you wear when you do your best work? Let’s debate it. #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture #DressCodes #Belonging #Equity #ProfessionalismRedefined #PeopleExperience

Hard truth: Most leaders fail their teams during uncertain times. Not because they make bad decisions - But because they disappear when their teams need them most. I've been that leader. Thinking I needed all the answers... Only to create a vacuum filled with anxiety, speculation, and fear. Leadership is easy when things are going well. It matters most when the going gets rough. And here's what your team actually needs from you: Not perfection. Not all the answers. Just your presence and support. This means: • Saying "I don't know yet, and here's what we're doing to find out" • Listening without immediately jumping to solutions • Sharing what you can, when you can—even if it's incomplete • Maintaining optimism while acknowledging real challenges • Showing up consistently, especially when it's uncomfortable 6 ways to put this into practice: 𝟭. 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 (𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻) Ask "Do you want me to just listen, or would you like help solving this?" Try: Set up an anonymous feedback channel 𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 (𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻) Even “no update” is an update. You’re only halfway communicated when you feel done. 𝟯. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 (𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀) Start your next meeting with wins. Create a shared space (Slack channel, doc) where the team posts progress. The flywheel: Optimism → Action → Progress → Confidence → More Optimism 𝟰. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 (𝗢𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹) Draw the Control Circle: What do we control, influence, or just observe? Invest 80% of your energy in what you 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝟱. 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 Ask these 4 questions in 1:1s: • What excites you? • What worries you? • What support do you need? • What’s in your way? 𝟲. 𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 Host office hours and “ask me anything” sessions. Presence builds trust. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿: You can't pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your own well-being—it's not selfish, it's essential for your team's success. Your team can handle uncertainty. They can't handle feeling abandoned in it. Start with one action. Build from there. What would you add to this list? 💾 Save this post for when you’ll need it.

What if your team finally had a space to talk about what truly matters? I recently implemented a series of intentional team rituals for one of my clients, and the transformation has been incredible. For the first time, the team finally has a space to share openly, talk about what’s important, and engage in authentic conversations that drive performance. 💡 Team rituals aren’t icebreakers—they’re purposeful, evidence-based practices designed to embed psychological safety into the team’s rhythm. Each ritual serves a unique purpose, from encouraging healthy risk-taking to reinforcing shared values. Here are 5️⃣ powerful rituals I use: ✨ Team temperature check A quick check-in that helps everyone align on each other’s state of mind, fostering empathy and understanding from the start. ✨ Unspoken thoughts sharing A safe, dedicated space for team members to voice thoughts that might otherwise go unheard. This has been transformative in building trust and transparency. ✨ Risk round-up A reflection on recent risks taken, regardless of the outcome, to normalize growth and show that taking chances is valued. ✨ Intelligent failure celebration A space to celebrate ‘intelligent’ failures, focusing on lessons learned and supporting a culture of experimentation and innovation. ✨ Team value stories Weekly storytelling of how team values come to life, creating a shared sense of purpose and reinforcing a culture of belonging. 🔎 How to measure impact and progress? I use a Psychological Safety Scan for my clients before and after implementing these rituals to capture the tangible progress in team dynamics. P.S. : What’s your favorite team ritual that makes a difference in your team? ---------------------------------------- 📚 Read about how to implement each ritual and use the provided prompts in my blog article. 👇 Link in the comments.

Building ForeignAdmits from 1 to 100 taught me one brutal truth. It's not about the big moves. 🎯 It's about tiny habits that compound. When we started, I thought passion would be enough. But passion burns out. Systems don't. Here's what actually worked 👇 Daily team huddles - just 10 minutes. Not for status updates. But for energy alignment. Result? Our interns shipped products faster than teams with $100k+ budgets. Morning reflection blocks - 30 minutes of pure thinking. No calls. No Slack. No emails. Just clarity on what moves the needle. Result? Better decisions, less reactive firefighting. End-of-day gratitude messages. (MS Teams one feature helped a lot) 🚀 To team members who pushed boundaries. 🤝 To partners who trusted our vision. 🎓 To students whose lives we touched. Result? Built a culture that attracted A+ talent. Weekly learning sessions. Not fancy workshops. But real problem-solving together. Result? Our conversion jumped... The crazy part? None of these habits feel revolutionary. They're boring. Simple. Almost too basic. But that's exactly why they work. In the chaos of scaling, these tiny routines became our anchor. They kept us focused when funding rounds got tough. Kept us innovating when competition got fierce. Kept us humans when growth got overwhelming. Today, as we serve 100,000+ students and 750+ partners globally, these habits haven't changed. They've just become our DNA. So here's my question to fellow founders: What daily habit has been your secret weapon in scaling? Drop your answers below 👇 And remember - it's not about being perfect. It's about being consistent. #foreignadmits #startup #companyculture

Monday Motivation: Rituals – The Secret Sauce for Stronger Startup Teams 🌶️ Think of your favorite sports team's pre-game ritual or a beloved family tradition. Rituals bring people together, create shared experiences, and build a sense of belonging. Startups can harness this power too. In the fast-paced world of startups, rituals may seem like unnecessary fluff. But these simple, recurring practices can be the secret ingredient that transforms your team from a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing unit. Why Rituals Matter for Startups ✅ Culture Building: Rituals help to define your company's identity and reinforce its values. They create a sense of community and belonging, even in a remote or hybrid setting. ✅ Boosting Morale & Motivation: Celebrating milestones, birthdays, or team wins with small rituals can create a sense of fun and camaraderie, boosting morale and motivation. ✅ Increasing Psychological Safety: Regular check-ins, team lunches, or even shared coffee breaks can encourage open communication and create a safe space for sharing ideas and concerns. ✅ Marking Transitions: Rituals can be used to mark important milestones like new hires, product launches, or even setbacks. This helps teams process change and move forward together. Simple Rituals to Try 👉 "Wins" Wednesdays: Every Wednesday, share team or individual wins in a Slack channel or company meeting. 👉 "Fun Fact" Fridays: Encourage employees to share a fun fact about themselves in a dedicated channel or at a team meeting. 👉 Virtual Coffee Breaks: Schedule informal video chats where employees can connect and chat about non-work topics. 👉 Onboarding Buddies: Pair new hires with a "buddy" to guide them through their first weeks and introduce them to company rituals. Don't underestimate the power of rituals in creating a strong and vibrant startup culture. Small, consistent practices can have a big impact on team cohesion, morale, and ultimately, your company's success. What rituals have helped your team thrive? Share your favorites in the comments! #StartupCulture #HR #EmployeeEngagement #FutureofStartupHR #CompanyCulture #WorkplaceRituals #TeamBuilding