Our environment effects us as a person, a leader, an organization, a family---everything. Why does it? I propose that our environment is part of the "system" we are in. It's like Dr. Beitler says in Organizational Change with the Systems Model that:
More often than not, the person is not 'the problem.' The problem is typically
embedded in the system. If we don't change the system, we will soon face the
same problem again (p.14, 2006).
Let's talk about how the environment effects us as individuals and groups.
First, as an individual... We can have wonderful goals...but are our behaviors in line with those goals? AND, do we have a SYSTEM supporting our goals? More specifically, is your environment helping you get closer to those goals or is it hindering your goals? I referenced in "CREATE and ACHIEVE Your Personal Vision" one part of your environment- people.
You can create your Dream Team by identifying people in your life who help you achieve what you want. They are the ones providing positive support and even asking difficult questions that help you grow and achieve your vision. So, we want a Dream Team...but who are the other people detracting from your goal? Why are you still keeping them in your life? Alexis Jones from i am that girl keeps it short and simple: "If they are not helping you achieve your goal, eliminate them from your life."
Another part of the environment is anything you can sense- touch, smell, see, hear, taste. What sensing things can you change in your environment to reinforce your goal? Can you add natural light to help you brighten up? Can you listen to headphones to add an afternoon energy boost? Can you light a candle that makes your working space cozier?
As a group, the environment also is important. The environment WE create sets the tone and fosters a culture. What culture do you want in your family, group, organization? Want a culture where everyone feels comfortable? Feels welcome? Feels energized? Feels motivated? How do you match the strategy of your organization with the necessary culture? Beitler explains Cameron and Quinn's "types of organizational culture" in Strategic Organizational Change:
Clan- Is like an extended family where the leader is frequently a parental figure. Loyalty or tradition holds the organization together. Success is defined in terms of sensitivity to customers and employees (Beitler, 2006). Therefore, how could the environment facilitate this? Could the company ask for employee and customer suggestions on what the decor is or what music is played?
Adhocracy- It features temporary team membership and constantly changing structure. Creativity and new ideas are seen as successful (Beitler, 2006). How could the environment promote this vibe? Bright colors on the wall? Unique decor? Innovative companies like 3M, Google and Amazon give developers about 20% of free time, or time to play.
Market- Is market-driven and highly competitive. Market share and market penetration define succesful market culture companies (Beitler, 2006). How can you promote a competitive environment. Many sales organizations do this by having individual sales numbers showcased on a wall, where the top winners will receive extra bonuses or vacations to warm destinations. You could use a simple whiteboard to increase the competitive heat in your group...
Hierarchy- Is formal and highly structured. Efficiency defines success (Beitler, 2006). How can you promote an efficient environment? How about monitoring the cost of scraps and trying to decrease that number? You could also post this in a common space where workers see their target and what they met. We saw this on a factory tour of a gas pump company that strives to decrease costs and increase efficiency.
How will you change your individual and work environment?
Recently I wanted to promote the clan culture in my work. I started something new in a central location with two objects- paper and a computer. First, I took butcher paper and added a "Quote of the day" with a positive, inspirational quote. Then I welcomed co-workers to add their own quote.
Then with the computer, I played some rockin’ tunes! Who doesn’t enjoy a little jam session mid day? It’s something small but can change the culture in a beat.
What was the result of these two simple objects and change?
It created a fun and inviting atmosphere. It has the direct ability to positively affect attitudes in our office. Fellow co-workers have been randomly breakin' it down, reminiscing as certain songs bring back vivid memories, laughing at other songs, and igniting other conversations that the song is their favorite artist. Something “small” but that creates change. The environment and culture affect us, as they are part of our system. What have you done or will do to change it?
Author:
Katelyn Chapman
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