Hey, are you going to the company Christmas party? This is about the time when businesses of all sizes have their yearly Christmas party. Depending on where you work, your schedule, and your feelings towards your employer, will determine whether you attend the company Christmas party.

Most people attend, but there’s a handful who don’t.

I once met a mid-size business leader who said, “The people who attend, are the people who are loyal to the company.” His company, which I know very well because I consulted for them, wasn’t that concerned with creating an environment where people came to work because they wanted to be there. He believes that people should be loyal to them; not the other way around. The truth is, that most people go to work to get paid.

Don’t get me wrong, people are motivated by money but it’s not the only reason. People are motivated by growth and advancement, working with others, providing a service, being useful, and making an impact. As a business leader, are you tapping into the other reasons?

There are people, it’s a small number, who show up to work with a purpose. They’re self-motivated and have high agency. But in general, you need to create an environment for them to be loyal to the company for a long time. Your job as a leader is to create the environment; the culture.

Ask yourself:

• Am I creating an environment for our employees to want to be here?
• Am I creating an environment for our employees to want to be loyal for a long time?
• Am I creating an environment where our employees grow?
• Am I creating an environment that brings out the best from our employees?

A leader is an architect of culture. So, are you actively shaping the culture?

Listen, you don’t need to have a bold vision like sending humans to Mars. But, you do need to create a culture where people work and grow together, where people feel empowered to contribute their best, and where people are inspired to become their best. Are you creating that culture?