What's Going On?—Your Shot of Fearless Culture #398
Where change agents find their weekly dose of culture insights and exercises, one topic at a time.
Everyone talks about workplace culture. But what about what’s really going on with culture?
We asked Chief People Officers.
What they told us was shocking.
Their words didn’t match the upbeat tone we often see on social media. They were raw and honest. Fear, not principles, is driving decisions.
The political climate has cornered leaders. They’re scared of saying something wrong or supporting the wrong initiative. They worry about backlash. So they’re backing down on commitments and retreating from principles they once championed.
Many now treat culture as a liability.
Fear does more than silence people. Over time, it becomes your culture.
I don’t want to demoralize you. While the findings are concerning, not all companies are struggling.
The silver lining? Those who continue supporting culture with conviction are seeing the payoff.
We just released the US Culture Pulse 2025 study, which documents this shift. Check it out.
Explore this week's newsletter:
My latest article → US Culture Under Fire—Leaders Back Down
Download full report → US Culture Pulse 2025 by Fearless Culture
Practical tips to receive feedback
Stay fearless, my friend.
Gustavo
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Your Culture Gap
Many leaders told me they saw their own companies in our findings. It’s tough to admit, but the gap between what companies say and do is getting bigger.
Review the report and use these questions to reflect on your own culture gap:
1. What parts of the Pulse report made you think, “That’s us”?
2. Where do you see your company facing similar issues?
3. What’s breaking down trust in your company right now?
4. What commitments are you watering down? Either recommit to it fully or drop it. Whatever you do, be honest about it.
5. What’s the biggest gap between your stated culture and your real culture? What’s one thing you can do this week to fix it?
🍦 Feed Your Curiosity
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Gustavo Razzetti
CEO, Fearless Culture