You hear parents say this all the time, but now we are dealing with adults in the workplace. It is easy to let small behaviors slide because “it is not a big deal.” It feels easier that way. And honestly, no one wants to make it official that there is some tension, because once that happens, there is a whole process, according to policy, you have to follow. No one enjoys those.
Micro-actions though, include the things you don’t say just as much as the things you do. If someone constantly interrupts a quieter colleague and no one steps in, that silence sends a message. If credit keeps getting misplaced and no one speaks up, the imbalance becomes the norm.
You don’t need to deliver a big speech. Sometimes it’s just a simple, “I think she was about to finish her thought,” or “Let’s make sure credit for that idea goes to the right person.” These low-effort responses carry weight. They signal safety, fairness and awareness. Over time, that changes the culture, quietly but deeply.