Kate Littlejohn Aims to Transform Workplace Culture, One Interaction at a Time

Kate Littlejohn Aims to Transform Workplace Culture, One Interaction at a Time

 Meet Kate Littlejohn, an exemplary leader serving as the Business Operations and Marketing Manager at Harcourts Tasmania, and a Business Owner for Harcourts Launceston.

With a sharp focus on fostering a purposeful company culture, Kate is redefining what it means to build teams that not only perform but thrive. Known for her innovative approach, Kate is inspiring leaders across the industry to adopt small yet meaningful changes that drive both professional growth and workplace wellbeing.

Shaping Company Culture through Intentionality

For Kate, shaping company culture extends far beyond mission statements and one-on-one performance reviews.

“Company culture is built on moments,” she says. “It’s about making purposeful, intentional, positive micro adjustments in your daily interactions with your team.” These micro adjustments, whether brief moments of connection or acts of appreciation, form the building blocks of trust, collaboration, and growth.

Kate’s approach challenges leaders to think beyond traditional structures, focusing on actions that strengthen relationships, create a sense of belonging, and foster a shared commitment to organisational success.

This year, Harcourts Tasmania has embraced the “+5” philosophy, a framework aimed at incremental growth and continuous improvement.

While the concept typically applies to business metrics, such as aiming for 5% more bottom-line profit or 5% more sales calls, Kate envisions a deeper application. She believes the +5 mentality can extend beyond numbers into the realm of company culture.

“Even if you already have a strong workplace culture, there’s always room to build another 5%,” Kate says.

“What small, purposeful choices can we make to add more trust, recognition, and encouragement into our teams? Those little shifts could very well be the +5 you didn’t know you needed.”

Five Ways to Build a Stronger Team Culture

Putting her philosophy into practice, Kate outlines five actionable strategies to positively impact workplace culture. Here’s how leaders can implement the +5 mindset in their teams:

1. Five-Minute Moments of Connection

Taking five minutes to genuinely check in with your team members can lead to lasting bonds. Ask how they are doing, celebrate a personal milestone, or simply listen to their thoughts. These small but meaningful interactions create emotional glue that fosters a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to stronger, more cohesive teams.

2. Acts of Appreciation

Recognition goes beyond a simple compliment. Kate suggests encouraging collaboration, acknowledging new ideas, and appreciating both effort and results. “People follow those who appreciate them,” she notes. “Genuine, consistent acts of appreciation create a ripple effect that boosts morale and engagement across the entire team.”

3. Team Reflection

Dedicate time in team meetings for reflection. Encourage open discussions about what’s going well, what can be improved, and how the team can collaborate more effectively. This practice not only drives continuous improvement but also creates a culture of accountability and growth.

4. Team Building Activities

Kate firmly believes in incorporating fun and trust-building activities into the workplace. Quarterly team-building events, from trivia games to shared lunches or offsite exercises, can foster meaningful connections. Engaging with colleagues outside of work tasks builds camaraderie, making teamwork more enjoyable and effective.

5. Monthly Recognition and Celebration

Recognition keeps teams motivated, and celebrating milestones creates shared moments of joy. From recognising personal bests to celebrating small wins, monthly events can highlight progress while keeping teams aligned with the +5 mindset.

Empowerment Through Leadership

Kate’s approach can be summarised by a valuable lesson she learned through personal experience. Recalling a colleague's challenge with an unmotivated employee, Kate says, “It reminded me of the old adage, ‘you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.’

” She reflects on the importance of creating an environment where employees feel truly empowered. “It’s not just about providing tools and opportunities. It’s about actively encouraging and supporting employees to make the most of them.”

Kate’s +5 philosophy offers a simple yet powerful framework for leaders seeking to enhance workplace culture. By focusing on small, purposeful adjustments, teams can achieve significant growth professionally, culturally, and personally.

“Strong company culture is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have.’ It’s essential for building organisations where everyone can thrive,” Kate says. For businesses willing to look at what they can improve, and engage with the idea of constant growth, the +5 mindset is the catalyst she believes can make all the difference.

Kate Littlejohn’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership at Harcourts Tasmania is an inspiration for leaders across industries.

Her approach not only offers a pathway for personal fulfilment but also delivers tangible results for businesses that aim to excel.

With the +5 mindset guiding her every interaction, Kate is proving that even the smallest adjustments can pave the way for monumental change.