Culture can’t be mandated. It can’t be forced into existence through corporate initiatives or dictated by management. True culture—the kind that lasts—is something that emerges naturally when people feel a sense of belonging and ownership.
At Funds For Learning, we have a tradition that embodies this idea perfectly: The Golden Tape Dispenser.
The Golden Tape Dispenser: A symbol of glory,
bragging rights, and office legend status since 2012.
For the past 14 years, our team has run an annual NCAA March Madness bracket competition. There are no company-wide meetings about it. No calendar invites. No KPIs tied to participation. It just… happens. And every year, the winner is crowned with the prestigious, glittering, slightly ridiculous Golden Tape Dispenser, a trophy that has been passed from champion to champion for over a decade.
This tradition didn’t come from leadership. It wasn’t part of some strategic HR initiative. It was something that organically grew because the team found joy in it. And that’s what makes it powerful.
The Best Traditions Aren’t Forced—They’re Fostered
As leaders, we often try to build company culture through structured programs and top-down initiatives. While these efforts have their place, they pale in comparison to the traditions that emerge naturally within a team. The best workplace cultures aren’t engineered; they evolve when people feel free to bring their whole selves to work.
The Golden Tape Dispenser is a reminder that the strongest cultures are:
- Authentic – They reflect the interests and personalities of the people who shape them.
- Sustainable – They persist because they hold real meaning for the team, not because of enforcement from leadership.
- Inclusive – They give everyone a chance to participate and connect, regardless of role or title.
How Leaders Can Create Space for Culture to Grow
You can’t force culture, but you can create the right environment for it to flourish. Here’s how:
- Encourage Self-Expression – People need the freedom to bring their ideas, humor, and traditions into the workplace. If everything feels scripted, nothing will feel authentic.
- Support, Don’t Control – If a tradition starts to emerge, don’t over-formalize it. Some traditions thrive because they remain grassroots and informal.
- Recognize and Celebrate Organic Traditions – Acknowledge the small rituals and traditions that bring your team joy. Sometimes, a spray-painted tape dispenser holds more cultural value than a formal employee-of-the-month plaque.
Fourteen years in, our Golden Tape Dispenser continues to find its way into the hands of a new champion each March. No policies, no mandates—just a simple, lighthearted tradition that has become an enduring part of our team’s culture.
And that’s the beauty of it.
The legend returns! E-rate Guide Sean Lock, the first-ever winner of the Golden Tape Dispenser, is also the most recent champion—securing his fourth victory in our annual March Madness bracket. Will he defend his title, or will a new champion rise? The competition is on!
