I have just had an interesting reminder about how important it is to develop a positive and affirming workplace/church. I wandered up the street to a shop where a couple of items had arrived that I had had on order. Behind the counter was a young lady that I recognised from another shop just across the road. Apparently she works at both places.
The interesting thing was that the lady I met today was bright, happy, vivacious, engaging etc. The lady I see at the other establishment is surly, unhappy and detached. It's almost a Jekyll & Hyde situation.
The bright, happy version works in a shop that has a history of great, personal service. The surly, unhappy version works at a place that isn't known for the quality of its service or the value it places on its customers.
It isn't often that you get to see such a comparison because the same person doesn't work in two different places. In this instance there was an opportunity to compare apples with apples so to speak. And what a difference. I would suggest it all comes down to the difference between the two work environments.
We don't always have an opportunity to signficantly influence the culture of the place where we work or worship and that can be frustrating. But, nevertheless, we can do our part to be a positive, affirming type of person who makes a difference to those around us.
If we happen to be in a leadership position we have a huge opportunity (and responsibility) to build a great culture that makes people feel valued and makes our environment a really attractive one to be a part of. And for a church that is crucial.
No comments:
Post a Comment