Environment
Environment is a fundamental component of moodset. Managing our surroundings can make a significant difference. The dictionary defines environment thus; the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
I was discussing surroundings with a colleague on a rig offshore. The food was excellent on this rig, so sitting and chatting in the galley was a highlight of the day!
The surroundings in the galley were not conducive to eating completely clean, if that was our intent. The food was delicious, plentiful and there were a multitude of options (including many healthy ones).
Then there was a fridge full of delectable looking desserts – these were visible through a glass door. In addition, the “Bond” which is effectively a tuck shop, opens during dinner, and sells treats such as chocolates, crisps, and sodas.
Clearly it is our choice whether we eat too much, eat a dessert, and/or buy chocolate from the bond, but as the likes of Weight-Watchers would tell us, one of the best ways to stick to a way of eating, is to remove temptation and manage our surroundings.
Back home onshore I try to manage the domestic environment to support my aspirations for eating healthy meals and snacks more than the alternative! This involves having cheese, nuts and dark chocolate more available than biscuits, crisps, and assorted candy.
Creating an environment that (only) offers better choices will guarantee better results.
Around the time that I was recently offshore, it was also the annual CrossFit Open in which I compete every year.
The rig I was on had a superb gym by offshore standards but it is not designed to be a standard CrossFit Box. The announced workout was relatively straight forward but still required tape on the floor, a wall, a dumbbell of a certain weight, and a box of a certain height. The rig itself was a Semi Submersible which meant a degree of pitch and roll; interesting dynamic when negotiating a box jump!
I managed to find a time the gym was quiet and managed to set up the area to do the WOD. The dumbbell was heavier and the box less stable than it should have been. However, I was happy I managed to video the workout as required and to record a score which would count.
For the next two WODs I was able to go into the Box in CrossFit Aberdeen onshore. Clearly the environment within CFA is optimal for completing a prescribed Open WOD, and on both occasions I was able to draw energy from coaches and comrades watching on.
The difference in my relative CrossFit performance was 10% between offshore and onshore. The environment made a significant difference. I was set up for (better) success. No surprise, but a useful reference as an example of suitable surroundings for success.
Environment is not just affected but physical layout and access to equipment! Leadership and team dynamics play a critical role as well.
Leaders should learn how to provide direction without steering the boat. Quality leaders know how to unlock potential without turning the keys themselves. The environment created by exceptional leaders is one which enables extraordinary results.
When people ask me what a high-performance team environment looks and feels like, I say it looks organised and it feels friendly. The delicate balance of professional and personable tends to encourage optimal performance.
A word that should go hand in hand with environment in a high-performance team, is “engagement”. Leaders demonstrate vulnerability and inspire the psychological safety which draws engagement from the team.
I get asked how leaders can be vulnerable. Three ideas on that; share personal failures with the team, smile and greet members of the team, maintain open body language when talking to the team.
“Leaders with inclusive body language create an emotional environment that supports collaboration and high performance.” – Carol Kinsey Goman
According to Wikipedia, fengshui is an ancient Chinese traditional practice which claims to use energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment.
Fengshui tends to relate to the layout of a room, the placement of furniture, and the way a space energises our mood.
Energy is a critical element in any extraordinary team. Energy can be noticed and sensed, it is instantly recognisable in a sports team or a community.
The sun provides energy for our solar system. In the same way, leaders need to energise the environment so that each team member can blossom.
These are some simple examples and explanations about how to ensure an environment for excellence. Whether for yourself or your team, whether at home or at work, focus on the fengshui to fare better in future.
