Finding the Sweet Spot for a Better Work Environment

Finding the Sweet Spot for a Better Work Environment

S. Chris Edmonds is a sought-after speaker, author, and executive consultant. He’s the founder and CEO of The Purposeful Culture Group, which he launched in 1990. Chris helps senior leaders build and sustain purposeful, positive, productive work cultures. He is the author or co-author of seven books, including Amazon bestsellers Good Comes First (2021) with Mark Babbitt, The Culture Engine (2014), and Leading at a Higher Level (2008) with Ken Blanchard.

You may know me as a speaker, writer, and consultant, but did you know that I’m also a working musician? I’ve been performing with and collecting stringed instruments and tube amplifiers for decades. I’ve developed a deep appreciation for them.

Growing up in California during the ’50s and ’60s, I was captivated by great musicians and their cool guitars. As I pursued my love for music over the years, I learned something important: stringed instruments need a certain amount of humidity 24/7 to stay healthy.

You see, these instruments are made of wood, and wood reacts to the environment around it. Acoustic instruments, in particular, have a “sweet spot” for humidity—ideally, they should be kept in an environment with 45-55% humidity. When there is too little moisture in the air, the wood shrinks, cracks, and weakens under string tension pressure. Too much moisture and the glue holding the instrument together breaks down, leading string tension to cause a major implosion.

For 30 years, I lived in coastal California, where the humidity was perfect for my guitars (and mandolins and banjos). But when I moved to the dry climate of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, I quickly realized that the air here—consistently hovering around 20% humidity—wasn’t ideal for my guitars. To compensate, I run three humidifiers, each carefully monitored to maintain the optimal 40-45% humidity. I even use an app on my phone that connects to a sensor in my Taylor guitars, alerting me if the humidity gets too high or too low.

A modern office space buzzes with vision as people work and walk around. A blackboard wall displays a calendar, while computers, chairs, and plants on tables foster a dynamic and collaborative environment.

A person using a laptop with a stylus, immersed in a visionary digital interface. Surrounding them are graphics like "Generate," "Ads," AI symbols, and other icons representing the future of digital applications and media.

As a leader, it’s your job to nurture that environment by showing respect, providing validation, and giving your team the power to influence the workplace culture.

CHRIS EDMONDS

The same principle applies to your team at work. Just like a guitar, employees thrive when they are in the right environment—one where they feel respected, valued, and connected to the organization’s goals and strategies.

Think of respect and validation as the “humidity” that keeps your team in tune. Leaders who notice and genuinely appreciate their team members’ ideas, contributions, and efforts create a vibrant work culture. The synergy happens when employees are included in decision-making, given a voice, given space to proactively solve problems, and allowed to influence their work’s direction.

When employees feel respected and validated, they bring their best. They’re more engaged, more committed, and more productive – and we can prove it. Anything less erodes morale and engagement, leading to lackluster results and a disengaged team.

So, just like your guitars need the right humidity, your team needs the right environment to flourish. As a leader, it’s your job to nurture that environment by showing respect, providing validation, and giving your team the power to influence the workplace culture. When you do, you’ll see the positive impact in both the work and the people who are doing it.