Standards
How standards slip, how they are restored, and why they define culture.
Standards are the quiet infrastructure of leadership. They show up in the small decisions, the tolerance for drift, and the moments you choose to address or ignore.
When standards erode, it rarely happens in one big failure. It happens through small exceptions that become normal, through busy weeks where small breaches are left unspoken, and through the gradual loss of clarity about what good looks like.
This pillar is about holding a clear line without becoming rigid. It explores how to repair standards without blame, how to make expectations visible, and how to protect the team from the slow creep of mediocrity.
If you want culture that holds under pressure, start here and follow the links into decision making and conversations where standards are set or softened.
Frequently asked questions
How do standards slip in leadership teams?
Standards slip through tolerated exceptions, unclear expectations, and a lack of consequence. Over time, people adjust to what is allowed rather than what is said.
How can a leader raise standards without damaging trust?
Be specific, focus on the behaviour not the person, and explain why the standard matters. Consistency and follow through protect trust more than soft accommodation.
Why do standards matter for culture?
Standards define what is normal. They shape behaviour more than values statements and make culture real in daily decisions.
