you’re walking into a room where the air is filled with energy—laughter, focus, collaboration, accountability. It’s not the walls or the desks that make the room what it is—it’s the people. Here’s a truth to anchor this lesson: The culture doesn’t form the people. The people form the culture.

Culture is like the scent of a flower—it’s invisible, but it’s unmistakable. At THCO, our culture is defined not by lofty slogans or posters on the wall, but by how we show up every single day. The Nigerian proverb says, “It is not the beauty of the bird’s feathers that keeps it in the sky, but its wings.” At THCO, you are the wings of our culture. You give it life. You make it fly.

But what exactly is organizational culture? In simple terms, it’s the shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape how we work together. It’s the “why” behind our actions, the “how” behind our decisions, and the “what” we aspire to achieve as a team. Culture is what sets the tone for everything—our collaboration with clients, our accountability to deadlines, and even how we problem-solve when challenges arise.

Think about this: A river cuts through rock not because of its power but because of its persistence. THCO’s culture is like that river—persistent, steady, carving its way toward our century goal of improving the work lives of one billion people. And the people steering that river? That’s you.

Let me share a quick story that illustrates how culture drives THCO’s success. Picture this: a team at THCO is working on a high-stakes project with a client. The deadline is tight, and the stakes are high. Instead of panicking, the team leans on our core values. Collaboration ensures everyone’s ideas are heard. Accountability keeps each person focused on their role. Responsiveness ensures the client feels supported every step of the way. Honesty builds trust, even when there are tough conversations. Problem-solving turns obstacles into opportunities. The result? Not just a satisfied client, but a stronger team, a reinforced culture, and another step closer to our vision.

This isn’t just a story; it’s how we operate. And it’s a reminder that every decision, every action, every interaction you have adds another brick to the foundation of our culture.

So, here’s a question for you to reflect on: What elements of THCO’s culture stand out to you the most, and why? Take a moment to jot down your thoughts or share them with a colleague.

Now, let’s make this personal. Take some time to observe your team for a day. Watch how people interact, how decisions are made, how challenges are tackled. What moments reflect THCO’s culture at its best? And where can we improve?

Finally, for your assignment, take what you’ve observed and write a short analysis. How does THCO’s culture influence your daily work? Be honest, insightful, and specific.

Remember, culture is not something we inherit—it’s something we create together. To borrow from a South African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Let’s go far, together, by building a culture that’s not just talked about but truly lived.

When you’re ready, hit pause, reflect, and engage. This is your culture, your THCO, and your opportunity to make it even better. Let’s begin.