Your Coffee Cup Is Talking—What’s It Saying About You?

Picture this: you’re walking into the office kitchen. A half-full coffee mug sits abandoned on the communal table. Not yours. No one else in sight. And yet—you’ve just been communicated with.

It’s not the mug that’s speaking, of course. It’s the absence of ownership, of accountability, of consideration. It’s a silent signal that says: someone else will take care of it. And whether it’s in the office or at home, that message lands.

We communicate with more than our words. We communicate through energy, presence, consistency—and yes, even with coffee cups. Culture is shaped in these small moments. And when we ignore them, we miss an opportunity to reinforce the values that truly matter - respect, compassion, kindness, and accountability.

The Ripple Effect in Your Coffee

We often think of communication as what happens in meetings, emails, and Slack messages. But the most powerful form of communication happens in the micro-moments—how we greet someone in the hallway, whether we follow through on small promises, how we handle tension, and yes, how we leave a space when we’re done using it.

When we model responsibility in small ways, we foster trust. When we extend kindness in a moment of stress, we create psychological safety. And when we communicate with clarity and compassion, we create a space where people want to show up fully.

This is more than nice-to-have. It’s foundational. A study by LinkedIn revealed that 92% of talent professionals say soft skills are just as important—if not more—than hard skills when hiring. And for good reason. Skills can be trained. Attitude, presence, and emotional intelligence? Those are indicators of long-term success.

Culture Isn’t a Perk—It’s a Daily Practice

In this Apple News article, we’re reminded that culture isn’t built in grand gestures—it’s built through everyday behavior. The article makes it clear: what people do matters more than what’s written on the wall.

So how do you shape a team culture that reflects integrity, positivity, and growth?

You begin with awareness. You create shared language. And you prioritize fit—not just skills, but alignment. That’s when it’s time to look inward.

Who Are You Being When You Communicate?

Cleaning up after yourself is only one part of the equation. To really transform communication, we suggest going inward.

That’s where Encore Communication Coaching comes in. Our upcoming virtual session goes beyond public speaking tips or how to navigate difficult conversations—it invites participants to look at who they are being when they communicate.

The how of communication matters. And the who is what truly moves people.

Whether you’re leading a team, joining one, or simply trying to show up more fully in your everyday interactions, this session offers practical tools and deep insight.

→ Want to go deeper into who you are as a communicator? Join our next Encore session.

Let’s Clean Up More Than Coffee Cups

Great teams don’t simply happen. They’re built - moment by moment, interaction by interaction.

And sometimes, creating an exceptional culture starts with the smallest act: picking up your coffee cup.

Because in every moment, you’re communicating something.

Make it count.