On Friday, Feb. 21, at Vision Expo East, attendees gained insight into cultivating a positive workplace environment at the continuing education course, “7 Ways to Improve Your Culture,” led by Dori M. Carlson, OD, MAL, FAAO. Over the course of an hour, Dr. Carlson explored the fundamental role that leadership plays in shaping a thriving business environment and provided actionable strategies to create a strong, unified team.

"I recently found a study about the 'great resignation' that occurred in 2021. In it, they found the No. 1 reason for people leaving their place of employment was due to a toxic workplace culture," shares Dr. Carlson with EB. "I was with a group of optometrists when someone said, 'I can always tell the culture of an office when I walk into it.' That made me curious: What is a positive or negative culture, and how does either impact our business?"

The session began with an exploration of key concepts from Daniel Coyle’s “The Culture Code.” Dr. Carlson discussed how successful organizations—ranging from Navy SEAL teams to major corporations—share three core cultural elements: building safety, sharing vulnerability, and creating purpose. She emphasized that culture is not accidental; it must be deliberately nurtured with sincerity and consistency.

Attendees learned seven tangible ways to enhance workplace culture:

1. Have a Mission Statement: A clearly defined purpose guides the team and aligns efforts toward shared goals.
2. Be an Example: Leaders set the tone for the organization; demonstrating integrity and hard work fosters a culture of accountability and trust.
3. Write “Thank You” Notes: Genuine and consistent recognition of employees strengthens workplace morale and motivation.
4. Say “I’m Sorry” or “I Don’t Know”: Leaders who embrace vulnerability build trust and encourage authenticity within their teams.
5. Ask for Feedback: Inviting employees to share their thoughts and suggestions demonstrates that leadership values their contributions.
6. Hold Staff Meetings: Regular communication reinforces company values, ensures alignment, and provides a platform for collaboration.
7. Set Goals and Track Progress: Measuring success through key performance indicators ensures accountability and unites the team under common objectives.

Dr. Carlson concluded the session with an important reminder: Culture starts at the top. When leaders commit to fostering a positive workplace environment, employees thrive—and so does the business. As a bonus, she encouraged leaders to celebrate wins, laugh, and have fun with their teams.

Vision Expo East takes place Feb. 19-21 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Keep up with the action from the event on Eyecare Business’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and see EB’s BIG Vision Expo East Guide for a curated selection of education and events here.