June 7, 2023 Okho Bohm-Hagedorn

How To Do Culture of Care (Even If You’re Not Sure What It Means)

Do you feel that?

That overwhelming head-spinning from a rushed morning?

You’re not sure how to eliminate these mornings, but you know that if just one person noticed your struggle it would be a game-changer. So, what can you do?

Notice.

Notice that person who is having the same morning as you are. Notice their struggle is your struggle. Notice that you can help yourself by helping them.

And then what?

Do something. Smile at them. Say something. “Mornings are hard. But you’re rocking it.”

That is Culture of Care.

At Excellerate and throughout FTI, we hear a lot about our Culture of Care. It’s an organization-wide effort to create a supportive, healthy environment that recognizes the importance of mental health as much as physical health. It sounds impressive, and it’s vitally important, but how does it affect me daily?

Before writing this blog, I looked through our internal resources and there is a detailed explanation. However, I prefer simple and straighforward; here is what I read:

• Support
• Foster
• Enable

Hmmmm… I thought to myself. A bit more clear, but still not quite there yet.

I then Googled the words “support,” “foster,” and “enable” and it said:

• Assist
• Encourage
• Allow

That helped. I’m getting there.

The easiest explanation of living a culture of care might be this: don’t be a jerk. There’s no point. It’s not worth the energy. In fact, by not being a jerk, you become a safe person to be around. A safe person can assist others, encourage their growth and allow the team to be its best. And that is why Culture of Care can make the difference.

For me, on the tough days, not being a jerk means to simply not roll my eyes when I encounter yet another obstacle to my day. On the good days, not being a jerk means to see the good in people and reach out to them for their input. And on the amazing days, not being a jerk means to provide people compliments and celebrate their success by recognizing their accomplishments. It’s contagious once you start.

Lastly, and most importantly, not being a jerk applies to how to treat YOURSELF. Give yourself grace and patience every day.

Now, get after it.