Why “Culture Add” Beats “Culture Fit” Every Time... and Why Your Team Needs Its Own Zoo

We’ve all done it. Shrank ourselves to fit the mold. Played the part. Bit our tongue 🤐. Smiled and nodded => all in the name of fitting in...

But here’s the question: Fit into what? A box? A costume? A company culture that quietly (or loudly) says: Be less you; Do as we say, not as we do.

In her recent post, Isabel Sterne 🟡 nailed it: company culture often pressures us to become activity actors — all surface, no soul. We trade authenticity for approval. And slowly, that’s how burnout brews.

Jon Leslie offers a powerful reframe: We should strive for Culture Adds, not Culture Fits. Because the best teams aren’t echo chambers. They’re symphonies 🎼 different notes, tones, and textures coming together to create something bigger and richer than any one person alone.

Managing a team? It’s not about herding identical cats. It’s about managing a zoo. Lions, owls, dolphins, and the occasional hippo, each with their quirks and brilliance. When you recognize that, you don’t suppress individuality. You harness it. That’s where creativity and resilience live.

Robert Browning nailed it: “Best be yourself, imperial, plain, and true.”

And if you want to build a team where everyone can show up fully, remember this old Portuguese wisdom: “Speak without offense, hear without defense.” Let people bring their whole selves and meet them with curiosity, not combat.

Your team doesn’t need more sameness. It needs more of you. More of them. All the weird, wonderful, brilliant differences. That’s where the real magic and results happen.

So… are you building a culture that fits, or one that adds?

If this hits home and you’d like help forming (or re-forming) your team with a "vive la différence" spirit in mind, DM me. I’d love to help you build your own zoo.

Thank you Mama Nita V for the Portuguese wisdom... It has and continues to be priceless!!