By Rachel Loe, July 22, 2024

Culture-making is something that we all do, whether intentionally or not. As believers, we have a calling to influence the culture around us for Christ and the kingdom, but what does that look like in our offices? Over the next few weeks, I will cover a few basic topics on culture-making and how to do it. The first is something every group of people will experience at some point: Positivity vs. Negativity.

What is it about human nature that makes us feed off of the attitudes around us? Why, when you have one negative person, does the whole group lean into that disposition? We have so many cliche phrases that describe this phenomenon, such as “one bad apple spoils the bunch” and “misery loves company,” but the thing that remains clear is that when you have a group of people working together, and you have just one or two negative people, the whole group can skew that way. 

How can we, as believers, manage to not be the “bad apple” and encourage others to see themselves in a more positive light, whether or not we are in leadership?

1.           Recognize when conversations are heading in a negative direction.

Every office culture has issues that can become frustrating, but when you notice that someone or a few people are dwelling on the issues, take note and don’t just gloss over them. As believers, we are not called to be delusional; we know that we live in a broken world, but we are also called to be hopeful and at peace. 

2.              If there is a situation that can be made better, take the initiative.

If there is something you can do to improve the situation, do it. This seems like common sense, but people often believe someone else will fix the issue and they just enjoy complaining about it. 

3.              If you are in leadership, give your team a space to talk to you.

Some people will always find a reason to complain. But if you are the leader of a team, give them an avenue to come to you and voice their frustrations respectfully. If their complaints have merit, especially if they involve something that you have done, have the humility to correct or address them. 

There will always be people who like to complain and make it seem like their lives are the hardest. Our job is to remember who we were made to be: ambassadors for Christ. We have the ultimate good news and hope. People will notice when you are the one who turns the conversation toward finding positive solutions instead of dwelling on problems.  They will notice that you are different. This will open doors for you to “give an answer for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15, paraphrased).