SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
WHAT IS YOUR CULTURE?
How is the culture in your organization right now? Is it a positive one of growth or a toxic one of negativity? Whether it is a Church, a School, a non-profit, a team, or a thriving business, culture trumps everything. No good organization (or Country for that matter) can last long without a positive, professional, trusting, and team oriented culture that cares about the people that make up an organization. Lately, millions of people have resigned their jobs and millions more are likely to in the coming months. WHY? They are in search of; better bosses; better leaders and better people that understand and value people over profits, better and more meaningful team builders, and yes, even greater rewards which is more than just a higher salary.
The good news is that exceptional leaders are being sought out by the millions that are flooding the job market. They want someone more noble and gifted to follow, rather than someone who is lost mentally, spiritually and physically. (There is our body, mind and spirit again) These individuals want to be part of something bigger, more vital and with an empowering culture. Culture starts at the TOP and we are looking for those authentic men and women to lead us. Is your present organizational culture one that is uplifting or is it just a job? Remember, it is what YOU make it. Don’t be bitter about your work and expect the boss to GIVE you something you have not earned. Then, if you think you have earned it, make sure you understand that there are always two sides to any coin. (or Story) Make sure you see both sides and not just heads or tails because, as Mick Jagger reminds us; “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
“Leadership is Influence. Nothing more. Nothing less.” John Maxwell. My hope for you is that you have great leaders, that you are flourishing where you are now, and that you will thrive there for a long time. During my fifty year career in the insurance industry, there were times when I knew there was something better for me elsewhere. (Always have Plan A, B, C and D or a fallback plan) A couple of times, I made those positive upward moves in order to learn more about who I was and who I was becoming, along with meeting my own personal desire and challenge to be a leader of people. There are always those “so-called” positional leaders who have been around for a while and may have nowhere to go or no back-up plan in case trouble starts. Just running out the clock until retirement so that they can be free to do their own thing. WOW! I hope that is not you. If so, get some courage, go visit with your mentor, check with your family, and move on to a place that you can thrive or at least feel appreciated. Outside of belonging, that is all most of us ever want anyway.
If you are “sitting it out” or “going along to get along” maybe YOU need a kick in the pants. You may even be eliminating yourself without even knowing it. You may be a leader, (or not) but if you are bringing value to an organization, then go make something happen by influencing people in a positive manner. Yes, you might be needed in your position, but are you welcomed by others or are you the lone wolf? (Life can be pretty lonely at the top) Is there something more that you can do that will help impact others or again, are you just taking up space? If so, think about some of these questions:
- Do you trust and even like those you work with and those you lead? If not, maybe you should look deep inside of yourself because YOU might be the problem.
- Is there an opportunity for you to advance and prosper in your current job? Go ask the boss because you may not get promoted unless you ask. Be diplomatic about it but be a little more daring. (Courage)
- Are your leadership gifts a fit and do they compliment your team? If not, work on yourself to make yourself more marketable. While the grass may not always be greener on the other side, something great might happen by you finding yourself, your calling or more meaning in your life.
- When you put your head on your pillow at night, are you basically at peace about your job or do you regularly stir and hurt over something about the work you do? If you can’t afford a shrink, ask your friends or mentor if they see something you don’t see.
- If you worked for your current firm for the rest of your life, with promotions and a pay increase from time to time, would you be happy about your work life? If not, maybe it is time to move on.
I am not trying to talk you out of your job. Just think through these questions and ask yourself what it might take for you to continue to grow and reach your full potential. (Check out our Elevator Guy website at elevatorguy.net) Definitely involve your spouse. Get perspectives from other family members or your pastor. (Hopefully they might give you the spiritual side of things) Pray, reflect, and then DECIDE. Don’t be too deliberative or you will never pull any triggers in life. Don’t make a compulsive decision. Make a wise decision for you and your family. But make a decision. Make sure you are in the game and not watching from the sidelines. There is a lot to know about running a business or any organization and some people are not equipped to understand because they make it all about themselves rather than seeing the big picture. A great place to start LEARNING more about WHO you are and WHO you are becoming.
GO and make YOUR culture a great one, full of wisdom, self-mastery, courage, and love. You might just find yourself.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the souls of its people.” Mahatma Gandhi