Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,099- November 5, 2025

If you're a front-line employee and you're feeling helpless when it comes to making changes to your workplace culture, here are three suggestions: 

1. Enlist allies - not an angry mob with pitchforks (as tempting as that may seem), but other coworkers who share your concerns or support your ideas, who can act as positive champions, and who can articulate your ideas in a constructive way.

2. Focus on what's best for your overall team, company, and customers. If you make it all about you, it will come across as self-serving, or worse, like you're being a high maintenance "sea gull" crapping all over everything. Keep your recommendations and conversations focused on the end result and how it will impact your company's financial bottom line, reputation, or customer service. And tie your recommendations to your organization's values - explain why your suggestions are in alignment with your values and will both reflect your values and strengthen your values. 

3. Don't come armed only with complaints. Do your homework. Bring well thought-out suggestions and ideas. Provide options so managers have choices and the opportunity for input as well.

As I share in my last book, Small Moments, Big Outcomes, never underestimate how much influence you might have, even if it's just on your small corner of your company. I have collected so many stories over the years of how small, dedicated teams of front-line employees were able to shift their workplaces in truly inspiring and transformative ways!