Not Everything That Blows In Belongs Inside
It was a quiet moment in a coffee shop when the wind kicked up, pushed the door wide open, and let in a few leaves across the floor. It was messy, a little surprising, and completely avoidable.
And it reminded me of something that happens in small businesses, too.
We open our doors - to new people, new hires, new partners - but sometimes we forget to ask: is what’s coming in aligned with what we actually want inside?
Culture Creep is Real
Every small business has a vibe. A tone. A rhythm. Whether you’ve defined your values or not, your culture shows up in how decisions get made, how people communicate, and what behaviors get rewarded.
And one hire, even a well-meaning one, can shift that rhythm. A new team member who doesn’t believe in the mission. A vendor who cuts corners. A collaborator who talks over others in meetings.
It doesn’t always start as a problem. But if left unchecked, it grows. Like leaves under a counter, it piles up until you realize you’re not working in the same space anymore.
It Starts With Who You Let In
Hiring isn’t just about skills. It’s about fit. Not in a "do we get along" kind of way, but in a "does this person strengthen the culture we want to build" kind of way.
Do they share our values around sustainability, fairness, quality?
Are they willing to learn, listen, and grow with us?
Will they leave things better than they found them?
If the answer isn’t a clear yes, then maybe the door doesn’t stay open.
It’s Okay to Close the Door Gently
Not everyone is a bad person. Some just aren’t the right person for this business. And that’s okay.
What matters is having the clarity and confidence to:
Re-align expectations early
Set boundaries kindly
Let someone go when needed, with respect and honesty
Protecting your culture isn’t cruel. It’s leadership.
January Is the Perfect Time to Check for Drafts
New year, new goals, fresh energy. Before you throw open the doors, take a moment to:
Revisit your hiring and onboarding process
Re-articulate your team values and what "good fit" really means
Audit your partnerships and vendors (are they aligned with your standards?)
Because a business that knows who it is has an easier time keeping its space clean, calm, and focused.
Final Thought
The wind will always blow. That’s life. But you get to choose what comes inside, and what stays outside.
This year, keep your space intentional. Choose your people carefully.
And if a few leaves sneak in, don’t worry.
You know how to sweep them out.