When Culture Shapes Our Capacity to Perform
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how our environment and workplace culture influence our ability to do our best work. The thought came to me after watching someone close to me step into a new organization—leaving behind a toxic one—and seeing them thrive almost immediately. Their new energy and momentum made me think back to times in my own career when I performed at my peak, and what conditions helped me get there. (It’s a little harder to pinpoint when you work for yourself!)
The common factors were quite clear:
A supportive manager who trusted me
Autonomy to deliver results in my own way
Collaborative colleagues who valued teamwork
Work that stretched my capabilities and utilized my expertise
Realistic expectations about what could be achieved
Through coaching and conversation, I’ve noticed how performance can falter when even one of these elements is missing. When support, challenge, or meaningful collaboration disappear, productivity and confidence can erode—and often, those same missing factors influence how we interact with others and approach our work.
In my own experience, when I lacked either a supportive leader or challenging responsibilities, my performance dipped. Sometimes it showed up in my relationships: becoming competitive instead of collaborative. Other times, it showed up in how I handled problems—through avoidance, procrastination, or disengagement.
But we don’t always have the luxury of changing roles or organizations when the culture doesn’t suit us. So what can we do?
If you notice you’re not performing at your best, take a moment to reflect. Which of these key elements might be missing for you? Is it truly the culture—or could it be the nature of the work itself that’s affecting your motivation and outlook?
At any stage of our career, we may find ourselves in environments that aren’t fully supportive. The key is not to linger too long in that space.
In the end, prolonged misalignment can quietly erode not only performance but also confidence. Awareness is the first step to making a change, whether it’s shifting your mindset, seeking the missing elements proactively, or preparing for a new environment where you can truly thrive.
Wishing you an enjoyable month ahead!