Culture Doesn't Happen by Itself—You Have to Live It Out

When I graduated college, I was pretty excited to start my career as a full time team member at HORNE. I had previously interned with HORNE so I was able to gain a little insight into what life is like here but I was also nervous as I knew my responsibilities would increase. Not only would my responsibilities in my job increase but little did I know, my responsibility to our culture would also increase.

As a new team member at HORNE, you quickly notice a lot of buzzwords being used around the firm. Things like belonging, windshield view, flexibility and external focus. (It’s almost like a different language.) We’re constantly reminded of our journey of building the Wise Firm, and that each team member plays a role in helping us move forward on that journey. But, that’s where I struggled the most. With my increased responsibilities in my job role, how on earth was I supposed to help build the Wise Firm too? Wasn’t I hired to do a job? Surely, they can get there without me?

Wrong. I quickly realized it’s bigger than that. These are more than just buzzwords. They’re our way of life. And it is my responsibility to help us build the Wise Firm—but it looks much different than I thought. Once you begin to understand the meaning behind the words and what they mean to each team member, it just becomes a way of life. An intentional way of life, but one that I’m happy to give the extra effort to live.

In my short amount of time at HORNE, I have learned why culture matters. Most importantly, I have learned why it is up to team members like me to live out our culture and why it’s not just leadership’s responsibility. You see, no one has to tell me to come in the office with positive energy. It’s just what happens when others around you are positive and when we each work to create a sense of belonging for each other. And no one has to instruct me to collaborate. It’s just what happens when teams work together to meet clients’ needs or help set strategic direction for the firm. And, no one can reach my full potential for me. I have to own my career and use the resources the firm provides to help grow me.   

Building the Wise Firm takes each and every team member living out our culture. What started as a question I struggled with daily has turned into a passion that I’m proud to be a part of.