Culture eats strategy for every meal. When leaders join a new organization, the instinct is often to dive straight into a 90-day plan. Learn the organization. Build a strategy. Execute. But here’s the truth: strategy will not stick without people behind it

Most leaders only recognize what their employees accomplish. A goal achieved. A deadline that was met. A completed project. When employees hear appreciation, they feel seen, valued, understood, and respected. They are reminded that their contributions matter. Appreciation touches the heart of your employees. It builds trust, strengthens motivation, and fuels long-term engagement. What would change in your organization if every employee felt truly seen?

Telling a team to "calm down" rarely calms anyone. It often increases anxiety and erodes trust. Effective leaders respond differently. They acknowledge uncertainty, discuss what is known about the situation, focus on what is possible, and reinforce the team's agency and ability to act on what is within their control. The best way to support a team under pressure is to use coaching skills to help employees build their resilience.