3 Culture Killing Phrases You Never Want to Hear in Your Business
By: Kris Tierney, CHRP, CHRL
As a seasoned business leader and HR executive, I’ve worked closely with many executives and managers over the years, observing the patterns and language that shape workplace dynamics. There are three phrases I’ve encountered repeatedly that not only stand out but consistently undermine efforts to build a strong, forward-thinking organizational culture. Eliminating these phrases—and the mindsets that drive them—is a necessary step in creating a culture that truly supports sustainable business success.
So what are these three culture killing phrases?
“This is how we’ve always done it.”
“Hit the ground running.”
“Hire slow, fire fast.”
These phrases may seem harmless at first, as they often arise in moments of pressure or urgency, when managers tend to fall back on what’s worked before, take shortcuts, or choose the easiest path to solve immediate problems. I get it—survival mode kicks in. Managers default to familiar approaches and focus on short-term outcomes. However, these words are more than just expressions—they are reflections of the values and priorities embedded within the organization’s culture.
Words are just words. What's the problem?
As a workplace culture expert, I can tell you that these phrases don’t solve problems—they become them.
Simply put: these phrases—and the mindset behind them—are like slow-acting poison for your company’s culture. They might feel like quick fixes, but they can quietly sabotage your strategy execution, leaving you stuck in a cycle of frustration and missed opportunities. Over time, they erode trust and hinder innovation.
Phrases like these can be especially problematic because they reflect a mindset that prioritizes immediate outcomes over sustainable, long-term success. They emphasize comfort, speed, and reactive measures rather than adaptability, thoughtful execution, and strategic foresight. And while short-term tactics have their place, letting them dominate your culture will cost your business in the long run. Even "hiring slow" can inhibit execution, particularly in highly competitive markets.
Culture and Strategy: Two sides of the same coin
Culture, fundamentally, is "the way things are done around here." When phrases like the ones above are accepted—or worse, normalized—they don’t just reflect the culture; they actively shape it. Over time, they establish behaviours and mindsets that can stall progress and conflict with the company’s broader strategic goals.
This presents a challenge, especially for organizations aiming to grow, innovate, or maintain competitive advantage. Time and resources are invested in creating detailed strategies and roadmaps to drive results. But when the culture supports behaviours that contradict those strategies, the result is a cycle of inefficiency, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled potential. This disconnect is the idea behind the famous management quote “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
If the ultimate goal is successful strategy execution, then culture must be aligned to support and enable that strategy. Without this alignment, even the most well-thought-out plans will falter.
In future discussions, I’ll delve deeper into the specific impacts of each phrase. For now, here’s what you can do to minimize culture killing mindsets in your organization: stay focused on prioritizing a culture that aligns with your strategic vision, ensuring that your organization has the foundation it needs to not just meet its goals but to exceed them.
If you need help understanding your company's culture and its impact on your organization, or developing your culture strategically for the future, we can help. Visit our website for more information. www.kristierneyconsulting.com
