Create a Positive Climate
Leaders can create a positive climate by earning trust, treating people with respect, enforcing accountability, encouraging people to have fun, demonstrating character, and managing expectations. High morale is a consequence of a positive climate. People that work in a positive climate are more resilient.
Below are my reflections on Creating a Positive Climate.
1 - Analyze Team Climate
Would you describe the climate that you currently work in as positive or negative? How would you describe previous climates where you worked?
I would describe my current work climate as mostly positive but fluctuates daily depending on the daily mission and supervision.
Climate is reflected by attitudes that characterize the team. Climate is a bottom-up concept and the responsibility of front-line leaders.
I have worked in positive and negative work climates but try to encourage positive work environments.
Why are people who work in a positive climate more able to overcome challenges and then adapt and grow due to the challenges?
I believe that people who work in a positive climate can overcome challenges because they are willing to work harder for their leadership and team. Teamwork and camaraderie foster positive climates and unity where members adapt and grow through challenges.
Teamwork offers strength during adversity. Additionally, people can gain greater maturity through navigating tense situations, stronger understanding and critical thinking skills, better people skills, and an enhanced ability to multitask through managing challenges.
2 - Earn Trust
In your experience, why is earning the trust of your team so important?
Earning the trust of my team is important because why should they follow me if they don't trust me? My team must trust that I will work for them, and they can come to me with problems and support.
How does earning trust help to create a positive climate?
Trust helps create a positive climate
Have you always trusted your supervisors?
No, I have not always trusted my supervisors. There was a specific time when my boss tried to upend my career. I did not trust him and withheld information as I thought he would use anything he could against me. Morale, communication, and teamwork decreased.
How do you earn the trust of your team?
You earn the trust of your team by being open, honest, and vulnerable. You must show them you are willing to "get your hands dirty" and also willing to stick your neck out for them. You have to support and promote their ideas but also ensure that they get the credit they deserve.
3 - Treat People with Respect
In your experience, why is treating people with respect so important?
People who are/feel Respected work harder for their team/leaders. They are willing to put in the extra effort because they know their hard work is seen.
How does treating people with respect help to create a positive climate?
Treating people with respect absolutely helps create a positive climate. Again, it makes members want to come to work and do their best. People know they can be themselves (diversity) while also being part of the team (inclusivity).
Have your supervisors always treated you with respect?
One of my first supervisors did not treat me with respect. He was rude and often commented how females weren't meant to be in aircraft maintenance and that I would not last long.
What are some ways that you treat people with respect in the workplace?
I treat people with respect by recognizing hard work as often as possible, publicly and personally. There are some Airmen with troubled pasts that I check on regularly and encourage along the way.
4 - Enforce Accountability
In your experience, why is enforcing accountability so important?
Accountability is important otherwise good conduct and discipline go out the window. If you don't hold people accountable, standards and expectations are lowered (whether intentionally or not). Non-performers will continue to be sub-par and hard workers will question whether their efforts are worthwhile.
How does enforcing accountability help to create a positive climate?
Enforcing accountability ensures everyone understands expectations and standards, by also allowing individuals to grow and learn from their mistakes. Accountability, the right way, encourages a learning environment and promotes growth.
Have your supervisors always enforced accountability firmly, fairly, and consistently?
I have been lucky to have both fair and terrible supervisors. I had several that were sexist or part of the "good 'ole boy club". I've also had a few that were firm, fair, and consistent - correcting behaviors quickly and professionally while also maintaining respect.
How do you enforce accountability in the workplace?
I enforce accountability in the workplace by setting an example and correcting behaviors. It took a long time for me to feel comfortable giving feedback and holding others accountable. One way I subtly correct behaviors are to make a simple statement like "Let's keep it professional" when inappropriate conversations arise. Not only does this stop the inappropriate discussions, but it doesn't call out anyone specifically and also implies that 'we all' should keep it professional.
5 - Encourage People to Have Fun
In your experience, why is having fun at work so important?
"Having a sense of humor about shared challenges provides a way to bond with others facing the same challenges." This is so true in the aircraft maintenance community. We poke fun at each other and the situations but allows us to bond. It builds camaraderie and teamwork and allows the team to not be "all work and no play".
How does having fun at work help to create a positive climate?
People need to enjoy what they are doing. If they are having fun, they are more likely to be invested, willing to work hard, and more likely to learn.
Have your supervisors always encouraged people to have fun at work?
Most of my supervisors have encouraged people to have fun at work however there are a few that really stand out. CMSgt Winegar would dress up on Halloween, drink (and hand out) beers at Commander's calls, and have potlucks, and kimchi days at work.
How do people in your workplace have fun?
At work, I tell Dad Jokes at roll call. For Christmas, we had a decorating contest for shop cubicles.
6 - Demonstrate Character
Why are people more resilient when their leaders demonstrate character?
People fall into followership and leadership. By our nature, we want to follow leaders that are of a certain caliber. If a leader has the moral courage, to be honest, and give candid feedback, it allows members the opportunity to build resilience by growing through their struggles. Moreover, if a leader has the character to humbly admit their own flaws and past failures, it shows they understand and is empathetic to challenging situations.
Have your supervisors always demonstrated the character traits of moral courage, honesty, humility, and empathy?
Once again, I have experienced both types of supervisors. I had a few who never admitted flaws and acted like they knew everything. On the other hand, I had many that mentored me through times of struggle.
How would you rate yourself on demonstrating these character traits? Which one would you like to improve on, and how would you?
I think I am pretty good at adopting and demonstrating these characteristics. The one I would like to improve on is moral courage.
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7 - Manage Expectations
Why are people more resilient when leaders manage their expectations?
When leaders manage their expectations, people are more likely to understand the realistic outcomes rather than dwell on worst-case scenarios.
Have your supervisors always managed expectations in the workplace?
My supervisors have not always managed expectations, but I can't think of a good example of when they haven't.
How would you rate yourself on managing expectations for your team?
I think I am improving but still need to do better with managing expectations. For example, when I was the SEL for the BTF I set very clear expectations and we had a very successful trip.
The surprising ingredient that makes businesses work better | Marco Alverà - YouTube
The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown - Bing video
Everyday leadership - Drew Dudley - Bing video
