According to James Clear, every small action we take is a vote for the type of person, or team, we want to be.
When your employees see themselves as professionals who take pride in their work, they naturally rise to higher standards.
This mindset can transform behavior across your organization, from the warehouse to the trade.
Takeaways:
Identity Drives Behavior
Don’t just tell employees what to do — help them see who they are: “I’m the kind of sales rep who follows through,” “I’m the kind of warehouse manager who never misses a detail.”Habits Reinforce Culture
Simple actions like checking the delivery load twice, wiping down the truck cab, or sending a timely follow-up, all reinforce a culture of excellence.Celebrate Identity-Aligned Behavior
Recognize wins not just for performance, but for who they reflect: “That’s what a pro does,” or “That’s a vote for being best-in-class.”Use Team Language That Reflects Identity
“We’re the team that always shows up prepared.” This sets a social standard that everyone wants to live up to.Start Small, Repeat Often
Big results come from tiny consistent actions. Reinforce the message daily: “Every shift, every route, every call — it’s a vote for the kind of company we want to be.”
Do this next:
- Ask your team: What kind of company do we want to be? And give them an amazing identity to live up to. The results may surprise you.
- Join our network of beer wholesaler owners – sharing ideas and best practices to run a stronger beer business
