11 Jun 2025

New article

Cara Cunniff

Because most won't...

... if you're reading this it’s because you believe in the power of a great workplace culture.

"Your team’s emotions are your secret weapon."

The truth? How your team feels drives what they do.

But here’s the catch: not everyone feels the same way at work.

If your workplace doesn’t prioritise inclusivity, people will hold back.

Inclusivity isn’t just about policies—it’s about creating an environment where:

1. Everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
2. Diverse perspectives are welcomed, not just tolerated.
3. Emotional safety exists for everyone, not just a select few.

1. Emotion > Everything Else 💡

Here’s the secret: how your team feels drives how they perform.

Too many leaders focus on KPIs, systems, and processes while ignoring the emotional pulse of their teams.

Most leaders focus on productivity hacks, systems, and goals.

But none of that works if your team feels disconnected or drained.

Want to change the game?

Start with these questions:

1. What do I want my team to feel (and not feel) at work?
2. How can I build trust, curiosity, and creativity into our culture?
3. What daily habits can we create that reinforce or reduce these emotions?

Get this right, and you won’t just see results—you’ll see a team that’s energised, motivated, and all-in.

This isn’t soft leadership—it’s smart leadership.

Get this right, and you won’t just have a team—you’ll have a squad ready to bring their A-game every day.

2. Think of Emotional Culture as the Bridge Between Ideas and Buy-In 👉

Think of emotional culture as the invisible glue that holds your team together.

Without it? Burnout. Miscommunication. Silos. That dreaded “just doing the bare minimum” vibe.

With it? Teams that are creative, engaged, and unstoppable.

Here’s how to build it:

1. Map it: What emotions drive your team’s best work—and what emotions are holding them back?
2. Co-create it: Don’t dictate culture. Invite your team to shape the norms and rituals that matter to them.
3. Live it daily: Culture isn’t built-in workshops—it’s built-in moments. Small, consistent actions = big, lasting change.

3. Connection beats perfection every time. 💯

Spoiler alert: The best leaders in 2025 aren’t trying to be perfect. They’re prioritising connection.

Here’s what that looks like:

1. Drop the corporate mask. Be real. Your team doesn’t need perfection—they need you.
2. Make time for meaningful conversations. People don’t leave companies—they leave managers who don’t listen.
3. Create safety. The kind of safety that lets your team take risks, speak up, and innovate without fear of failure.

So, here’s the deal:

This year isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing it differently.

It isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.

2025 is waiting. Let’s make it extraordinary.

Cara