The Culture Triangle: A simple framework for demystifying culture
4
26
0
Culture is often seen as intangible and difficult to influence. But it’s also the driving force behind every decision, behaviour, and feeling within an organisation. When understood and shaped intentionally, culture can become a powerful engine for growth.
Culture isn’t a buzzword—It’s the force that shapes everything
Culture isn’t just about values on a wall or an abstract idea. It’s the environment, behaviours, and habits that influence how people think, feel, and act. Leaders who can simplify and focus on these components are better equipped to nurture a culture that supports success and growth.
It is possible to break it down and into a tangible force you can proactively shape.
The Culture Triangle: A Simple Blueprint for Transformation
The Culture Triangle breaks culture into three tangible components: Environment, Behaviours, and Habits. Understanding and adjusting these components will allow you to actively shape the culture you want.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Environment – What Does Your Workspace Say?
Your physical (or virtual) environment sends powerful signals.
Ask:
What cues are people picking up? (e.g., office layout, recognition displays, communication norms)
Does it align with your desired culture? (e.g., open spaces vs. closed doors, flexibility vs. rigidity)
What do new hires or visitors notice first? (what's on the walls, how are they greeted, what are the priorities?)
💡Tip: Walk through your workplace with fresh eyes—what messages is it sending?
2. Behaviours – What Are You Rewarding (or Tolerating)?
Culture is shaped by what gets celebrated—and what gets ignored.
Reflect on:
Who gets promoted? (Results at all costs, or results + integrity?)
What behaviours are overlooked? (e.g., high performers who trample on others)
Do your KPIs reinforce the right actions? (what are people really getting rewarded for?)
💡Tip: Audit your reward systems—are they driving the culture you want?
3. Habits – The Daily Rituals That Define You
Small, repeated actions shape culture more than grand statements.
Examine:
Meetings – Are they productive or just time-fillers?
Communication – Is information shared openly or hoarded?
Learning – Do people discuss failures or hide them?
Wellbeing – Are breaks encouraged, or is burnout the norm?
💡Tip: Run a "habit review" with your team—what fuels growth, and what holds you back?
5 Practical Tips to Simplify Culture
Do a Culture Walkthrough – Observe your workplace like an outsider. What does it really say about your culture?
Audit Rewards & Tolerances – List what behaviours are celebrated vs. overlooked. Adjust if needed.
Run a Habit Hack Session – Identify 1-2 small daily habits to change (e.g., shorter meetings, open feedback).
Ask New Hires for Feedback – They see your culture with fresh eyes—what stands out to them?
Focus on One Lever at a Time – Start with environment, behaviours, or habits—not all three at once.
Final Thoughts
Culture isn’t fixed—it’s shaped every day by the signals we send, the behaviours we allow, and the habits we reinforce. By breaking it down into these three areas, we can move from hoping for a great culture to building one intentionally.
What’s one small step you could take to better understand and proactively shape your culture?
Want more insights? Join our next Coffee & Culture session—focused and practical tips for leaders shaping thriving workplaces. Download the invite below!
