Why Company Culture, Leadership, And Letting Employees Be Themselves Matter More Than Numbers

We are only on this earth for a short time and we spend the majority of our waking hours at our job. It is highly important that you love what you do and who you do it with. And most important in my book, doing it authentically.

Imagine This:

You wake up on a Monday morning, ready to conquer the week. You have mentally prepared a positive mind set to start your day when you step into your office (or open your laptop), and instead of excitement, you’re hit with a wave of dread. Why? Because all your boss cares about is numbers, forecasts, and spreadsheets. You feel like a cog in the machine, not a valued team member. Sound familiar? If so, your company might be missing something crucial: a strong culture and good leadership.

Now imagine walking into work every day wearing a mask. You speak differently, act differently, and even dress differently, just to fit into what you think the “work version” of you should be. Exhausting, right?

This is what it’s like for employees who don’t feel they can be their authentic selves at work. And trust me, it’s not just exhausting for them—it’s bad for business, too.

The Spreadsheet Syndrome

Don’t get me wrong—numbers matter. After all, businesses run on profit. But when your entire focus is on the bottom line, you might lose sight of the people who actually make that bottom line happen. Employees aren’t just data points; they’re human beings with ideas, feelings, and a desire to be part of something bigger.

When a company prioritizes numbers over people, it creates an environment where stress, anxiety, and burnout thrive. Ever had a boss who was more concerned with your KPIs than your well-being? That’s what we call the Spreadsheet Syndrome, and it’s as contagious as the common cold—but way more harmful.

Good Leadership

Now, let’s talk about the cure. Good leadership isn’t about cracking the whip every time numbers dip. It’s about inspiring your team, nurturing their growth, and leading by example. A good leader understands that when employees feel supported, valued, and part of a positive culture, the numbers will follow.

When employees have the freedom to be their authentic selves, they bring their whole personality, creativity, and energy to the table. They’re not wasting time and mental energy on pretending to be someone they’re not. Instead, they’re focused on what really matters—doing great work.

Authenticity brings confidence. When people feel accepted for who they truly are, they’re more likely to share ideas, take risks, and contribute to the company’s success. They’re not afraid of being judged or sidelined; they know their unique perspective is valued.

Leaders vs. Micro-Managers

There’s a big difference between a leader and a micro-manager. Leaders trust their team to get the job done. They provide guidance, but they don’t hover.

Micro-managers, on the other hand, are obsessed with control, often forgetting that their team is made up of capable adults, not kindergarteners.

The result? Employees feel stifled, creativity is squashed, and turnover rates skyrocket. No one wants to work in an environment where they’re constantly watched, criticized, and second-guessed. It’s exhausting, demoralizing!

The Power of Company Culture

Now, let’s talk culture. A strong company culture is the secret sauce that binds a team together. It’s what makes employees proud to say, “I work here.” It’s the reason they’ll go the extra mile, not because they’re told to, but because they want to.

Think of culture as the heart of your company. When it’s healthy, everything flows smoothly. Communication is open, collaboration is encouraged, and innovation flourishes. Employees feel a sense of belonging and purpose. They know they’re part of something special, something worth showing up for every day.

But when culture is neglected, it’s like a heart with clogged arteries—everything slows down, and eventually, things start to break. Employees disengage, morale drops, and that sense of camaraderie? Gone.

The Ripple Effect

Here’s the kicker: When you focus on culture and leadership, the numbers take care of themselves. Happy employees are productive employees. They’re more creative, more resilient, and more likely to stick around.

When employees are authentic, it doesn’t just benefit them—it benefits the entire company. Authenticity creates stronger relationships, both within the team and with customers. People can tell when someone is being genuine, and that trust is invaluable.

Plus, when employees feel they can be themselves, they’re happier and more engaged. And happy, engaged employees are less likely to leave, which means lower turnover and a more stable, experienced team.

In Conclusion: Numbers Aren’t Everything

At the end of the day, business is about people. Yes, numbers and forecasts are important, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of your team’s well-being. If you focus on building a strong company culture and leading with empathy, trust, and integrity, the numbers will follow—and so will the success.

So, the next time you’re tempted to obsess over that spreadsheet, take a step back. Remember that your employees are more than just numbers—they’re the heartbeat of your company. And with the right leadership and culture, that heartbeat will be strong, steady, and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.

More importantaly- Allowing employees to be their authentic selves is about more than just being nice—it’s a smart business move. It leads to a more innovative, inclusive, and positive workplace where everyone can thrive. So, encourage your team to bring their whole selves to work, quirks and all. After all, that’s where the magic happens!!!