At the top of the organizational food chain sits cynicism, consuming your carefully nurtured culture with an insatiable appetite.

Following my previous company’s acquisition, I saw the seeds of cynicism take root within hours.

I overheard top employees say things like, “The last great company I worked at was acquired. I know how this movie plays out.”

Team members began making assumptions (and voicing them) immediately. About decisions that hadn’t been made yet. Consequences that had yet to develop. And, what they plan on doing if and when their worst fears came true.

I even heard cynical perspectives on the growing level of cynicism.

“Jason, don’t work so hard at this. There’s nothing you can do. I have never seen an organization not becom...