All too often, we can find ourselves trapped in an environment that leaves us questioning ourselves. Although you may not be fully aware of what is going on, or how you got to that point, you likely will recognize the signs that something needs to change. Such cues may include looking for a different job or team that seems “better” – without clarity on what better means. You feel an inner urge to find “purpose”, brought on by an inner sense of emptiness with what you are doing. Perhaps for you there is that unease you feel in showing up, whether is be physical or emotional, you just have that feeling that something isn’t right. Regardless of what you experience, the reality is probably a blend of something not being right with you AND the environment. What’s happening is you are feeling the pains of a broken system.
A key issue may in fact be the environment you are in. Whether a business, team, or other type of organization, there are times when the culture is just plain wrong (at least for you). One factor that so often is overlooked is an environment that only focuses on outcomes. These types of environments can leave us questioning if we are good enough, or even belong. Yet, recognizing what is happening can be difficult. Look for the signs. Do people only get recognized for “wins”? Is the player/employee of the week always someone with the highest numbers? Have you found yourself working hard to challenge yourself, to only be admonished when your taking a risk was not meeting the goal? Maybe its the place.
I’ve addressed this theme in previous writings, and typically my focus is to give a heads up on how to turn this around. Unfortunately you may not have any influence here. But being aware of what is going on around you can keep you grounded in reality. This type of culture can deplete us over time.
Another issue you may not be aware of revolves around goal setting. More specifically, the “who” and “how” of goals are being forced on the team from above. In outcome oriented cultures, the only one setting the goals is the person at the top of the food chain. Yet, there is strong evidence within performance psychology that allowing for individual autonomy promotes growth and long-term success. Similarly, democratically determined goals can promote teamwork and commitment. Fact of the matter is, people tend to enjoy working hard and expanding their boundaries, especially if they feel supported and safe in doing so. Unfortunately, some environments go in the opposite direction and dictate measures of success. Rather than encouraging people to take calculated risks to improve, the leadership restricts this with artificial marks of accomplishment. This can be even more stifling when the “how” is limited to restrictive practices.
If this sounds like what you are experiencing, perhaps looking around for a different opportunity may serve you well. We all have inner needs which need to be met before we can actually be our best. Without feeling safe, included, and accepted, we will become defensive and non-productive. The question is whether or not you have any influence on the culture you find yourself in. If not, and if it is unhealthy, why stay?
Before this becomes one of those blogs about “chase your passion”, let’s get some clarity. Realistically, there are always at least two parities involved in situations where there is a clashing of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. So let’s take a look at you.
One of my favorite activities to work on with clients is the activation of character strengths (take your assessment here at viacharacter.org). We all have them (24 have been identified), although each of us has a unique combination of which are stronger than others. Specific strengths include ones sucha as spirituality, humulity, and gratitude. The research clearly shows that by identifying and applying your strengths you increase critical aspects of living a more fulfilling life. However, there is a likelihood you may be overplaying your strengths, and doing so can lead to problems without you being aware of such. Despite the focus in sport psychology about being resilient, mentally tough, and the like, there are times when we might be better off reeling in our strengths so as not to hurt ourselves. I liken this to being a strong runner. While you may be good at it, running a marathon multiple times a month would be a really bad idea.
Take the strength of perseverance for example. Typically this would be seen as a positive quality of personality, and there are obvious times when being able to persevere would be beneficial. And yet, there may be times when getting through a touch situation is actually not good for you. Perhaps the environment you are in is consistently taking more from you than what you are getting in return, leaving you depleted and unable to be present for more important parts of your life. Just because you have the character to weather the storm, it may actually be prohibiting you from being your best self. Like the running example above, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Being able to setp back and evaluate how you might be contributing to the frustration you feel is a critical step in making meaningful change.
Sometimes the reality of being uncomfortable, unhappy, or unproductive is a product of a broken system. Whether the cause be you or the team, something will need to change for you to perform better. If there is a way for you to improve the culture of where you are, awesome! This could lead to something better for all, and a chance for you to show your worth. However, if the culture is established, and quite honestly is mired in disfunction, maybe staying isn’t worth the long term cost to you as a person. But before you decide to jump ship, be reflective on your own role. Are you bringing your best self forward so as to maximize your role, or are you over using your strengths? Knowing this, and acting purposefully here can give clarity on what may be a better path for you. Should you find yourself needing more help in this area, why wait? Make the call, bring in an expert.