What’s on your wall?
By Bruce W. Waller
Years ago, I was hired as an operations manager to help turn around a struggling company. Within my first two weeks, leadership shared the problem: our quality scores were so low the company was close to being shut down. Yikes.
But it didn’t take long to see the real issue, we didn’t have a quality problem. We had a culture problem.
Crew members showed up out of uniform and out of energy. Morale was low. Attitudes were poor. They didn’t feel valued. So instead of starting with processes, we started with people.
We kept it simple.
We showed the team they mattered.
We created clarity. We reminded them that their work had purpose. And most importantly, we demonstrated—daily—that we valued them.
One simple but powerful strategy made a big difference: we created a wall of pictures.
We took photos of our crew members in action packing, loading, working hard, and smiling. We lined the hallway and office walls with those images, highlighting who they were and celebrating the work they did. Team members walked in, pointed at their pictures, laughed, and shared stories. They felt seen. They felt connected to something bigger than just a job.
That moment changed everything. Within 12 months, our quality scores went from worst to first. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
Years later, I decided to do the same thing in my own office. I took down the wall art and replaced it with a large board filled with photos. When you walk in, you immediately see what matters most to me: people.
The board includes team members, clients, volunteer leaders, and organizations I’m proud to be part of. I’m proud of our team members I get to work with, my clients I get to serve and those I get to volunteer with. I’m proud of the moments I get to visit with attendees after a keynote event and those I get to have on my podcast… and want to share these moments with anyone who walks through the door.
This week, a team member walked in and said, “Hey Bruce… why don’t I have a picture up here?” I smiled and said, “Because we need to take one.”
So we did. A few days later, I texted him to let him know he was officially on the board. His response? “That’s what I’m talking about.” I have a feeling he’ll be bringing others by to show them.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
If you love the people you work with,
If you love your job,
And if you believe in your organization—
you need to show it.
I’m proud of my team.
I’m proud of my network.
And I’m proud of my customers.
Every day, those pictures remind me of a simple truth:
Your network is your net worth—and I feel like the richest man in town.
Want to change your culture? Show people what you value most.
And yes—you’re probably already on my board.
If not, send me a photo or stop by my office, and I’ll make sure you are.
Quote of the Day:
“Never let those things that matter least, get in the way of those that matter most,” Jim Rohn
🎯 Looking to inspire your team?
Grab a copy of one of my books:
📘 Find Your Lane
📘 Life in the Leadership Lane
📘 Drive with Purpose
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This is Move to Inspire with Bruce Waller.
For more resources—including relocation support, keynote speaking, leadership content, and the Life in the Leadership Lane podcast—visit www.BruceWaller.com.
📞 To connect directly, call 972-389-5673 or email Bruce.