At first glance, rituals may seem like unnecessary dogma. Yet, as members of a tribe, we often find comfort in following them—even when we know they serve little practical purpose. We call it “culture,” and over time, it becomes part of who we are.
This human tendency to find meaning and belonging through ritual can be powerful. It means we can intentionally design rituals that reinforce the behaviours and values we want to see in our organisations—building strong foundations for tomorrow.
If people naturally comply with rituals, why not create ones that nurture growth and connection? Once embedded, these rituals become part of the organisation’s fabric.
Consider a few possibilities:
- Meeting clarity: Before every meeting, each attendee shares what they hope to get from it.
- Truth time: After 4 p.m. on Fridays, everyone can speak bluntly—with honesty free from offence or personalisation.
- Giving time: After 4 p.m. on Thursdays, surprise someone outside your team with a small act of generosity.
These are just examples to spark ideas. The essence is this: since we humans instinctively follow rituals, let’s consciously craft ones that strengthen our culture, sharpen our purpose, and make our workplaces more human.
