Culture Is What Gets Done When You’re Not Watching

Culture Is What Gets Done When You’re Not Watching

Everyone loves to talk about culture.

They post inspirational slogans.
They throw team-building happy hours.
They hand out branded t-shirts and hope it translates to loyalty.

But culture isn’t what happens on a good day.

Culture is what happens when things go wrong.

Culture Isn’t About Vibes — It’s About Outcomes

You can define culture however you want, but if it doesn’t produce these outcomes consistently:

Work gets done on time
People take ownership
Respect is always mutual

Then it’s not a strong culture — no matter how fun or “positive” your environment feels.

“A good culture ensures work gets done on time, holds everyone accountable for their responsibilities, and fosters a professional and respectful workplace.”
— Success, Intended

Where It Starts (And Where Most Get It Wrong)

Culture is shaped by your first hires.
Get them right, and your team will carry that mindset forward.
Get them wrong, and it will quietly spread — until you're too far behind to fix it.

“Believing you can recalibrate culture down the line is naive.”
— Success, Intended

We didn’t write down culture at Instafuel.
We didn’t print out values and hang them on the wall.
We just did the work — and made sure the people around us did too.

That was our culture.

What to Look for in a Real Team Player

People who don’t make excuses when things fall behind
People who step up before they’re asked
People who self-correct before they’re told

Micromanagement isn’t a fix — it’s a warning sign.
If you need to chase people down constantly, you've likely hired the wrong ones.

The 3 G’s That Stuck With Me

In a conversation with my cousin Noor, he broke down how his team at nybl builds culture:

“We hire for grit, gusto, and gumption — not just resumes.”
— Success, Intended

That’s the necessary mindset.
You can teach skills. You can’t teach belief in the mission.

Try This 👇

Ask yourself: Would I rehire this person today if given the choice?
If the answer is no — why are they still here?
Start defining deal breakers now (not later). Then stick to them.

Culture isn’t about how things feel — it’s about how things get done.

Next up: Why the advice you take, and who you take it from, might be the thing that makes or breaks your next big decision.