I work some for an organization that has the worst
atmosphere for success I have ever encountered. There is poor supervision and management, no encouragement,
little effective communication and a general feeling that you are nothing more
than an easily replaceable cog in a wheel like the big machines we work
with. Loads of lip service and
platitudes and slogans abound to foster “growth” in the organization…but really
nothing to foster real growth in each employee. To top it off, the atmosphere is one of fear that if you step out
of the box, you will be fired.
Sometimes, if you do look like you are doing better work and standing
out, you become a threat to your supervisor and are soon neutralized.
Some people may like an atmosphere like that. They know what happened yesterday and what
will happen tomorrow. They get by with
the minimum expectation like machines.
Can you imagine a plant existing in an atmosphere like that…one with no
water, no sun, no dirt, no space to expand.
It’s not natural for the plant and it’s not natural for you.
What is healthier is growth that gives you the opportunity
like the plant does, to produce a flower so to speak. How does that happen for you?
Whether you work in a factory or an office or even work just for
yourself in your own environment, to grow you need that special
atmosphere. Here’s what I think that
atmosphere should look like:
Others are ahead of you
You are continually challenged
Your focus is forward
The atmosphere is affirming
You are often out of you comfort zone
You wake up excited
Failure is not an enemy
Others are growing
People desire change
Growth is modeled and EXPECTED
These are not new ideas.
The first time I saw them, John Maxwell related them, and I think they
are pretty universally accepted and time proven. If you are not experiencing this kind of atmosphere, you should
consider that you are not in the right place.
I know I’m not, but fortunately I have other jobs that do provide that
growth atmosphere. It is amazing to
contrast how I feel in the different environments and what I am able to
accomplish by comparison.
Trust me, you’ll notice the difference when you find
it. Go look for it!
No comments:
Post a Comment