The 30s CEO Reset: Why January Quietly Decides Culture

Shaping Culture Starts with What Leaders Actually Do, Not Just What They Say.

Author

Glenda Carnate
January 20, 2026

Read time: 2.5 minutes

Even though leaders commonly claim that a shift in company culture occurs in January, this time of year is actually when employees determine for themselves which behaviors they will overlook and which values will guide their workplace interactions. Because of this, although they may have had an initial strong kickoff and very clear expectations set by their leaders, once the workweek resumes, employees will tend to ignore anything they didn't challenge earlier, along with the same vague replies they've received from their leaders in the past. There simply isn't a break. At that point, employees will stop hearing what their leaders say and start observing the actions of their own team members.

Culture is created slowly over time and through everyday actions rather than through official announcements from corporate leadership.

How Culture Is Reset in January:

  • Correct missed commitments as soon as possible.

  • Demand clarity instead of accepting vague answers.

  • Redirect any teams that are slipping from the desired standard.

  • Address small issues before they become the norm.

  • We notice when you let things go, and so does your team!

It isn't about being tough, it's about being clear!

💡Key Takeaway: 

January is significant because of the flexibility it offers across all aspects of standards. The corrections made today (in January) and the lessons not taught are what create long-term effects on future corrections or changes in someone's learning. Once a person grasps a lesson, it becomes difficult to unlearn it.

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