Facts and Feelings: The Role You Play at Work

Hello there. Molweni. Molweni🙂!

Happy New Month!

And just like that, we’re stepping into the last quarter of the year 😅.

One of my core beliefs about work is this: results matter, but people matter too. Striking the balance between facts (the work itself, accountability, and honest conversations) and feelings (how our words and actions affect others) isn’t always easy, but it’s essential.

We often hear about “workplace culture” as this big, abstract concept. But at its heart, work culture is simply the sum of people’s attitudes and behaviors : how we show up, how we treat one another, and how those interactions shape the environment we share. In other words: culture isn’t something “out there”, it’s something we each create every day.

That’s why, in today’s post, I want us to pause and reflect on our own contributions, the role each of us plays in shaping workplace culture, and how our actions make others feel.

The work we do isn’t just in tasks and deadlines; it’s in how we make people feel along the way. Every interaction, from a quick check-in email to a collaborative meeting, carries the potential to uplift, motivate, or unintentionally discourage someone. When we focus only on output, we risk overlooking the human side of work: empathy, respect, and the small gestures that build trust and connection. These everyday moments, though subtle, are the building blocks of workplace culture. How we listen, respond, and acknowledge others doesn’t just affect individual relationships, it shapes the environment.

It’s easy to focus on what others have said or done, scrutinizing their actions, but it’s equally important to introspect and consider how our own behavior impacts those around us. Simple practices such as accountability, consideration, and empathy can dramatically improve how we interact with others and the overall culture of our workplace.

Accountability: Taking responsibility for our actions, our work, and our commitments. Imagine a workplace where everyone owns their responsibilities. Conflicts would be easier to resolve, and conversations would naturally feel more respectful.

Consideration: Thinking about others, how our words and actions affect them, and how our approach to issues might impact their feelings. Consideration often works best when paired with accountability; it’s easier to be thoughtful toward colleagues who also take responsibility for their own work and behavior.

Empathy: The quality that makes us human. Empathy reminds us that we work with people, not robots. It doesn’t mean overlooking problems, letting subpar work slide, or avoiding difficult conversations, it means approaching every interaction with kindness, understanding, and respect.

There’s a saying I came across years ago that has stayed with me: “People will not remember what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” In our personal lives, this kind of consideration often comes naturally, but it can be more challenging in professional settings, and yet it’s just as important. Imagine the impact if each of us approached work with this in mind, consciously considering how our words, tone, and presence affect those around us. How we make others feel matters not just for colleagues we know well, but for every interaction, from brief exchanges with acquaintances to larger team conversations. When we lead with thoughtfulness and intentionality, we create an environment where people feel respected, valued, and seen.

When we approach work with this level of intentionality, it becomes clear that the culture of a workplace isn’t shaped solely by policies or leadership, it’s shaped by how each of us chooses to show up. Simple yet powerful principles like accountability, consideration, and empathy guide how we interact, how we communicate, and ultimately how we influence the environment around us. Taking responsibility for our actions and commitments, thoughtfully considering the impact of our words and decisions, and leading with empathy can transform everyday interactions into opportunities to build trust, respect, and connection.

At the end of the day, workplace culture isn’t just something that happens to us, it’s something we create and allow every day through our choices and interactions. Take a moment to reflect on how you show up and how you make others feel. Small shifts in intention can ripple out, creating a more respectful, supportive, and humane work environment for everyone.

Have an intentional and blessed week.

Lots of love,

Zizo