Culture is the small things people do when nobody is asking them to do it.

Culture is revealed in the small things people do when nobody is asking them to.

The World Cup is an amazing spectacle.

The Socceroos have given Australians so much joy with their against-the-odds win over Türkiye. What an incredible achievement.

But another moment from the tournament caught my attention. The sight of Japanese football fans cleaning up after a match.

Watch the video.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/27032710526397365

For many of us, this feels unusual. For many Japanese supporters, it reflects something much deeper. A respect for the players, respect for fellow supporters, respect for the stadium and pride in representin

g their country and culture.

How good is that?

It reflects values that are deeply embedded in many aspects of Japanese society:

Responsibility,

Respect,

Belonging, and

Consideration for others.

A stadium is not just a place you visit. It is a shared environment that you have a responsibility to leave in good condition for the next person.

There is also a strong cultural value around not creating unnecessary work or inconvenience for others. Leaving rubbish behind means someone else has to deal with your actions.

Cleaning up is not just about cleanliness.

There are some powerful leadership lessons here.

Great cultures are not created by posters on walls or values written in strategy documents. They are created through everyday behaviours.

Respect for place.

Pride in work.

Taking responsibility.

Cleaning up the mess before you leave.

Showing consideration for others, regardless of their role. These are small actions, but they reveal a lot about culture.

My daughter works at a cinema. I might suggest they show this video before every film screening!