Atmosphere

An atmosphere is a surrounding environment or influence. It is not only the protective shield surrounding our planet so we can live, it is also a protective shield protecting our lives. This is true of our homes and also the offices in which we work. For example, if you or your coworkers talk behind each other’s backs, you will create a nasty atmosphere at work.

Think about this…some things simply cannot survive when the atmo- sphere is not compatible with them. In other words, if something is not sim- ilar or at least complementary, then it simply cannot exist there.

I remember fishing with my oldest son. We were deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico when a crazy thing happened. I was reeling in a fish (a mighty huge one, of course). When it finally landed in the boat and we were

pulling the hook from its mouth, I had the thought that it sure must be a crazy feeling to be that fish when all of a sudden you are about to take a bite of your lunch, and then, in a split second, your whole world changes.

Just then, he (I think it was a boy fish) freaked out and wigged and flapped so much that he bounced off the bottom of the boat, back into the water. Why did this happen? I am guessing, but it might be because that fish was deter- mined to be back in a familiar place. Maybe he instinctively knew he had to get to a place where the atmosphere was right for him if he were to survive.

I wish I were more like fish sometimes. I wish I would fight to stay in a healthy atmosphere. Perhaps too often, we all just sang along with Doris Day when she sang, “Que sera, sera, whatever will be will be…” No! We have the ability, as leaders, to help create the atmosphere we desire. Think about this. If we create an atmosphere of optimism, how can pessimistic people survive there? They will, like the fish, jump out of the boat.

Ask yourself, “What is the atmosphere in the office where I work?” What about the atmosphere of your home? Now that harder question: How have you contributed to the reality you feel?

Have you ever walked into a room and just “felt” something? Maybe you could not even explain it. Was it sad? Was it exciting? What caused that feel- ing? Perhaps it was an individual or a group of people who created the atmo- sphere in the room. We actually have the ability to create a mood in a room.

For me, this becomes especially important when I come home after traveling for the day of work. I focus on what I can do to bring an atmosphere of peace, joy, and love. And to be honest, I have no idea what I will walk into. You see, after years of providing foster care to teenagers, on any given day, we usually have a few extra children at our house. Combined with my own crazy bunch, and their friends, it can be a circus, as some have described. So what I bring home needs to be the peace, joy, and love I mentioned earlier.

It is the same in the workplace. If you are in an office, what atmosphere do you allow to exist? You might say, “Well, I am not the boss, or the owner,” but it does not matter! Each of us has the ability to help create the atmosphere around us. For example. if you do not want gossip to be part of your environment, then nip it as soon as it rears its ugly head!
Following the five E’s below can help you create a healthy, positive
atmosphere:
1. Envision what can be, and do not settle for anything else.
2. Examine your heart to see if there’s anything you are doing or saying that is   
    negativity contributing to the atmosphere.
3. Encourage others to participate in the positive direction and focus.
4. Embrace your good feelings.
5. Enjoy the atmosphere you helped create.

“ATMOSPHERE” was written by Angela Donadio.