Every room has an atmosphere – it includes factors such as the temperature of the room, the lighting, and the freshness of the air – or the lack of it. In the same way, every relationship and every group – whether it’s a team or a family – has an atmosphere. This atmosphere is a combination of the moods and attitudes of the people in the group. Another word for this is ‘culture’. It describes what it feels like to be a part of that group of people.
To add value to any relationship you are in or any group you are a part of, learn to be aware of your moods – what they are and what may be contributing to them. Then seek to control them. Your moods directly affect the atmosphere wherever you are – for better or worse.
Don’t be a thermometer – which is a reactive instrument that goes up and down based on the external environment.
Be a thermostat – an instrument that directly affects the atmosphere. If things are a bit heated, you can help to cool them down.
If things are a bit cool or icy – then you do your best to warm things up a little.
This is especially important for leaders because leaders set the relational temperature of every group that they lead.
What can you do today to affect the atmosphere of the relationships, teams, or groups you are a part of?
You can watch a video of this episode on the Soul Food with Mark Conner YouTube channel.