Homeostasis is a fascinating phenomenon. When the world outside of the organism becomes unstable, all of the forces of nature rally at once to create internal stability. Homeostasis, however, doesn’t distinguish between healthy and unhealthy. It protects the status quo. Its job is to ensure the perpetuation of survival and sameness – not to improve the organism. Much like the aquarium in my office, the ecosystem creates a culture that demands certain conditions all encoded to empower stability and fend off difference. The actual fish tank that lives to my left is the classic unhealthy stable environment. It houses one fish. Despite my efforts to introduce friends over the years, the master of this ecosystem will tolerate no partners. They all eventually die. Rather than continuing to aid and abet my aquatic pet’s obsession with solitude, I acquiesced to the rules of the ecosystem. He lives in solitude.
Back in the world of humans, I would never acquiesce to an ecosystem that refused to embrace change. Whether in my own business or the businesses with whom I have been entrusted to shepherd healthy organizational culture, shaping and steering a healthy workplace environment are non-negotiable requirements of my partnerships. The rules of engagement that define the way we invite conflict, celebrate diversity, thank mistakes, and dare change are the most deeply rooted investments anchoring the foundations of our professional relationships. Each day provides opportunities to propel these values into actions.
Workplace culture is not a force that imposes its wrath upon our teams. It is the expression of our power to choose the norms and outcomes of our ecosystem.
