Who’s Responsible for the Culture? Everyone.

One of the biggest myths in sports—and in business, classrooms, and communities—is that leaders are the ones who make or break the culture.

Not true.

On the best teams I’ve been part of—whether as a player, coach, or colleague—it’s not just the leader who drives outcomes. It’s the teammates who hold the rope. Culture isn’t built by charisma or title. It’s built by behavior.

In strong team cultures, every member understands their responsibility to the group. They take pride in being part of something bigger, and they want their actions to contribute to shared success.

But what is that responsibility?That’s where the S.T.O.R.M. framework comes in—a teammate checklist, really:

Teammates need to

1. Show up

2. Take care of relationships

3. Own their power

4. Raise up others

5. Maintain mission focus

I’ve used this with players who didn’t realize how much influence they had—how even the smallest actions ripple through a locker room. I’ve seen it help quiet teammates step up and vocal ones step back to listen. I’ve used it myself as a coach and teammate. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being intentional.

But if that’s what great teammates do, then what do great leaders do?

Leaders are responsible for four critical decisions:

1. What’s the mission?

2. Who’s on the team?

3. What’s the strategy?

4. Who plays what role?

Yes, leaders can ask for input. They can create space for voices to be heard. But in the end, they are accountable for those decisions.

A coach might ask the players which play they feel best running with the game on the line—but it’s the coach who calls it.

A manager might ask their team who they’d hire—but it’s their decision to make.

A startup founder might ask the group which product feature to prioritize—but they own the roadmap.

Here’s the key:

Leaders don’t stop being teammates.

They still need to S.T.O.R.M.—maybe even more than everyone else.

The best leaders see themselves first as team members. That’s what servant leadership really is. It’s not soft. It’s not abstract. It’s just leadership done right.

So what does a championship culture look like?

Leaders make the call.

Teammates make it work.

And together, they STORM toward a shared mission.

If you’re building a team—on the court, in the office, or in your community—ask yourself: Are your teammates clear on their responsibility? Are your leaders clear on theirs?

Drop me a note or hit reply—I’d love to hear how your team STORMs.