the Mood of a Constructive Culture

Transcription

1 TEN COMMANDMENTS OF the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan

2 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture

3 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Copyright 2015 by Bishop E. Bernard Jordan All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes. ii

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1 st Commandment... 1 UnderstandingConstructiveCulture nd Commandment... 5 EstablishFoundations&Alignments rd Commandment... 8 CreatingBalance th Commandment CreateaCulturethatwillnotFail th Commandment AssessYourMoods th Commandment Mind the Effects of Moods in Life th Commandment EliminateNegativeMoods th Commandment Knowthatthere salwaysarisk th Commandment LivingintheFuture th Commandment BeaPossibility More Resources Scriptural References iii

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6 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 1 st Commandment UnderstandingConstructiveCulture Power Truth A man should be just cultured enough to be able to look with suspicion upon culture at first, not second hand. Samuel Butler 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV 1

7 1 st Commandment Defining Culture Culture is the social environment of your life. Just as you need to breathe clean air, drink clean water, a comfortable shelter, and a sufficient amount of food, you need a nurturing social environment to interact with others. Your culture tells you how you see yourself and others. It further tells you of how you can be successful. It shows what s important and what s not. Culture somehow dictates your attitudes and values. It is the most powerful agent in a society which contributes a lot in shaping, influencing, and changing behaviors. Culture is coined the unwritten rules we live by therefore, it deserves positive attention. Just as you need to breathe clean air, drink clean water, a comfortable shelter, and a sufficient amount of food, you need a nurturing social environment to interact with others. Classified as one of the necessities of human, culture therefore should be constructive. Leaders should impose beneficial culture for it to dictate positive attitude and values contributing to the society at large. 1 2

8 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Classified as one of the necessities of human, culture therefore should be constructive. However, culture is difficult to change for several reasons. It somehow negates the behavior of those attempting to change it. Patterns in a society need a pattern to implement change. Other approaches would be rejected since cultural norms are present. These norms wouldn t allow others to follow what you are trying to impose. Another reason why culture becomes hard to change is because it seems inaccessible. Yes, culture is far more powerful than any individual. Culture has you, you don t have it. In a workplace, new employees should act and adapt fast because culture works in a speed as rapid as a lightning. New knowledge accumulates and disseminates from time to time. If you can t adapt fast, you will get left behind. It can take your own values thus, reinforcing you to embrace the culture in front of you. This truth teaches us to change the culture in a constructive way for it greatly affects our lives. Culture is far more powerful than any individual. Culture has you, you don t have it. What Now 1. Define culture. 3

9 1 st Commandment 2. Is culture necessary in our daily living? 3. What are the reasons why culture becomes hard to change? 4

10 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 2 nd Commandment EstablishFoundations&Alignments Power Truth All objects, all phases of culture are alive. They have voices. They speak of their history and interrelatedness. And they are all talking at once Camille Paglia 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 KJV 5

11 2 nd Commandment Establishing Foundations Creating a culture is simple. All you have to do is to put together a group of people and then let them do what they want to do. The challenge however, is creating your desired culture. How can we achieve a constructive culture? The answer lies in just a simple idea - build strong foundations and set up alignments. The answer lies in just a simple idea - build strong foundations and set up alignments. Building constructive culture requires constructive foundations. The foundations of a culture are the community s set of values. Most of us have an adopted set of values already. The problem however, is in the values which are not established in direct relation to the culture we desire. There s a simple approach in establishing foundations. Using the acronym EAST, we can consider these values based on constructive approach: Excellence, Authenticity, Support, and Trust. Moreover, these four guide questions can help establish foundations of a constructive culture: What will be an excellent result and how can we achieve that? How can we do that authentically? How can we support each other to do this? How can we maintain trust? 6

12 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Establishing Alignments Building foundations is not enough. We have to secure that these established foundations are aligned with our set of values. Constructive culture doesn t merely rely on changing attitudes and behaviors. It is extremely important to also recognize systems, processes, environment which will have a significant influence to the culture. It is vital to look at the factors which will support a constructive culture. 1 We have to secure that these established foundations are aligned with our set of values. To achieve alignment, one must possess resilience, adaptability, and accountability. Resilience is the ability to manage own way of being and respond in a constructive way. Adaptability is dealing with the changes required to create a constructive culture. Lastly, accountability takes on personal responsibility. Having a constructive culture is about the consistency of the application of the desired values. What now 1. How can we achieve a constructive culture? 2. What is the simple approach in building foundations? 3. What are the traits necessary to achieve alignment? 7

13 3 rd Commandment 3rd Commandment CreatingBalance Power Truth Culture of the mind must be subservient to the heart. Mahatma Gandhi 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Creating Balance John 15:19 KJV An effective culture lies in creating balance. Creating is a way of doing things - choosing the better ways to do things 8

14 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan rather than what we used to do. "Balance refers to the equilibrium between task and people. Be constructive rather than defensive. Creating balance is recognizing the consistent dynamic interaction between task and people which allows things to get done. The conflict here arises when we confuse balance with harmony. Creating balance is recognizing the consistent dynamic interaction between task and people which allows things to get done. Leaders oftentimes confuse balance with harmony by expecting their subordinates to be compatible to the team and to their workplace. They wanted their people to work in an environment where everyone gets along well with one another. They see discomfort as not being dedicated to what they do. This underlying basis for culture is harmony. And with this principle, it negates the culture for it makes people passive instead of being constructive. This underlying basis for culture is harmony. And with this principle, it negates the culture for it makes people passive instead of being constructive. 9

15 3 rd Commandment Accountability sets in the corner of our minds. Creating a constructive culture strictly requires accountability. People need to be prepared for creating balance to achieve their desired culture. And one way to do so is for them to hold accountable to their every action. In fact, being accountable goes beyond what is expected of us. Unfortunately, avoiding accountability is a scenario we often see. Julio Olalla, author of The Oracle of Coaching quoted, Life is bigger than our explanations of it. To be in touch with life, go beyond your explanations. Balance doesn t refer to all the positive interactions. It doesn t necessarily mean that we have to maintain positive interactions and drive out the negative ones. That thought though, can be considered harmony. In creating balance for a constructive culture, we need those negative interactions to fuel success. But keep in mind to still cultivate more positive interactions. 1 Accountability sets in the corner of our minds. Creating a constructive culture strictly requires accountability. What Now 1. How can you create balance for constructive culture? 2. Why is balance often confused with harmony? 3. In creating balance, do we need to drive out negative interactions and keep only the positive ones? 10

16 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 4th Commandment CreateaCulturethatwillnotFail Power Truth Every man s ability may be strengthened or increase by culture. John Abbott 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8 KJV 11

17 4 th Commandment A Culture that will Not Fail Culture is born from different patterns of behavior. People sharing the same culture happens when one joins a team and then adapt to it. When they leave, the culture remains to be intact affecting other people who will connect. People sharing the same culture happens when one joins a team and then adapt to it. When they leave, the culture remains to be intact affecting other people who will connect. A culture that will work requires new habits. Understanding a newly created habit is critical when developing a culture. The process of creating new habits is not at all easy. Though it seems simple, it is definitely complex. Why? Because habits are something we do without even thinking. They come naturally. So, we have to start with developing awareness when that habit is likely to impact the future. A culture that will work requires new habits. Understanding a newly 12

18 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan created habit is critical when developing a culture. Habits, though delivered unconsciously, are solely based on espoused principles. By observing how people behave, we can see their habits. For instance, if a group acts to be competitive with another group, we can assume that victory is a thing they value. Therefore, they will perform habits that will keep them winning. These values in practice are normally unspoken but very powerful. Creating a culture that will work is simple but not easy. The key is to bring those values to life. US poet and writer Haki Madhubuti said, Learning to take hold of one s life is very difficult in a culture that values property over life. Be accountable so that the chances for making it work won t destabilize. 1 The key is to bring those values to life. Be accountable so that the chances for making it work won t destabilize. What Now 1. How can you create a culture that will work? 2. Why are newly created habits important in a culture that will work? 3. What is the key to creating a culture that will work? 13

19 5 th Commandment 5th Commandment AssessYourMoods Power Truth Culture, then is a study of perfection, and perfection which insists on becoming something rather than in having something, in an inward condition of the mind and spirit, not in an outward set of circumstances. Matthew Arnold 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord 14

20 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Assessing Your Moods Romans 10:12 KJV Many of us frequently slip into negative and useless moods making it hard to shift out from that unproductive feeling. We typically consider moods to be products of people and events we encounter. When we speak of moods, we usually refer to the ways in which past experiences of an individual influence his actions. Sometimes we also refer to mood as an automatic assessment where we interpret moods based on the future. When we speak of moods, we usually refer to the ways in which past experiences of an individual influence his actions. Building a constructive culture won t be possible if moods wouldn t be managed properly. So, it is best to assess every element which can cause an unproductive emotion. The unproductive interpretation of moods can lead a person to focus on his past and blame their moods on unfavorable events. We have lesser control of our moods since we can t undo the past. So how can we manage our moods to a constructively rewarding result? We shouldn t look back on the past. Instead, we should utilize our energy in focusing on the future. 1 When we do this, we can take action because the future hasn t happened yet. Improving our viewpoint should be our priority in managing our moods. 15

21 5 th Commandment The unproductive interpretation of moods can lead a person to focus on his past and blame their moods on unfavorable events. People have their own assessments toward us and this is another challenge in managing our moods. Sometimes, we tend to seek the approval of others. Pleasing other people becomes our priority. Why? We take their opinions as indications of our future which we believe to be factual giving us huge pressure to deal with. But always remember that whatever the source of our negative moods, we can always shift to create positive interaction. Whatever the source of our negative moods, we can always shift to create positive interaction. What Now 1. What is the importance of assessing moods in building a constructive culture? 2. Are people and events affecting our moods? 3. How can we shift a negative mood into a positive one? 16

22 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 6th Commandment Mind the Effects of Moods in Life Power Truth The crucial differences which distinguish human societies and human beings are not biological. They are cultural. Ruth Benedict 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Romans 1:26 KJV 17

23 6 th Commandment Effects of Moods Negative moods close doors of possibilities and interrupt our interaction with others. Given this fact, we can consider moods to be a morale issue, not just a personal one. Negative moods close doors of possibilities and interrupt our interaction with others. One good example to illustrate the effects of negative mood is in the workplace. Superiors need to watch the moods of their team and help manage them. Those who fail to manage their moods may show lack of respect and this is not a good trait of a team member. People get confined in a mood and this is where personal choice sets in. This mood will then become their standard attitude toward work. There are two significant perspectives an individual grabs hold of: life is something they are inventing; or life is something that happens and they react to the circumstances. 1 There are two significant perspectives an individual grabs hold of: life is something they are inventing; or life is something that happens and they react to the circumstances. 18

24 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Most of us chose the second one. By taking the second choice, you are freeing yourselves from the responsibility but blocking yourself to build an identity to the world. Moreover, you are limiting yourself to improving your current situation. The pervasiveness of this attitude is seen in moods of cynicism, victimization, and resentment. Cynicism is a kind of resignation wherein a person has given up on the possibilities of change. In a company, cynics are the ones who had given up on the vision of the company. They are staying for other reasons such as salary, position, and benefits. Victimization, on the other hand, is an attitude wherein all of a person s moods and circumstances are all due to other s fault. They believe that everything that happens to them is uncontrollable but they don t realize that it is just a matter of their own choice. Lastly, resentment is a mood in which a person abandons all personal commitments by refusing improvements. We all have our personal choice. We can choose who we want to be and what role to play. We just have to acknowledge the first perspective: life is something that we are inventing. What Now 1. What are the effects of negative moods? 2. Are moods considered a morale issue? In what way? 3. Do you believe that life is something you need to invent? Or you just let the present circumstances lead you to indefinite choices? 19

25 7 th Commandment 7th Commandment EliminateNegativeMoods Power Truth We are like ignorant shepherds living on a site where great civilizations once flourished. The shepherds play with fragments that pop up the surface, having no notion of the beautiful structures of which they were once a part. Allan Bloom 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O 20

26 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Dealing with Negative Moods Matthew 3:7 KJV We have learned how moods are essential in creating a constructive culture. Eliminating negative moods compels actions to shift your assessments. Eliminating negative moods compels actions to shift your assessments. In dealing with negative moods, we have to explore the possibilities of shifting it. How can we divert this feeling? First, you have to be aware. Be aware of your emotions. Moods are unconsciously occurring and certainly uncontrollable. However, awareness can help turn the mood constructively. Second, make a choice. Making a choice means making a commitment to change your mood. If you find peace in your situation, then maybe you don t need to adjust your mood. Moods are unconsciously occurring and certainly uncontrollable. However, awareness can help turn the mood constructively. Next thing you need to do is to investigate. What is this mood about? Is it based on an assessment or an assertion? Is it 21

27 7 th Commandment factual? What standards were used to prove this is factual? Planning for action follows investigation. What s missing? What are the things you need to do? Plot your plan. Then, take action. Perform the steps necessary. After this, you can now declare an accomplish task of eliminating negative moods. 1 Making a choice means making a commitment to change your mood. What Now 1. Why do we need to eliminate negative moods? 2. What does it mean by making a choice? 3. What are the steps that we need to perform when exploring the possibilities of shifting moods? 22

28 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 8th Commandment Knowthatthere salwaysarisk Power Truth Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going. Rita Mae Brown 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. There s Always a Risk 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV Jeff Willmore, Landmark forum leader stated that nothing is so reckless as waiting for certainty a game we are sure to lose. There s always a risk in everything we do. Be it 23

29 8 th Commandment putting up a business, getting into marriage, or even driving in an unfamiliar road. Risks are inevitable for living. Explanations are given out as a way to stay in our comfort zones thus; departing us from the reality we can create. Risks are inevitable for living. Explanations are given out as a way to stay in our comfort zones thus; departing us from the reality we can create. When we get wrapped up in our circumstances and points of view, we lose sight of the possibilities and we settle for less. As a result, we adapt to things as they are we live in the established culture even if it limits us from the changes we can make the world. Stepping out and creating a breakthrough requires disrupting our old norms. The skill that we have to nurture is the learning skill. We are in the world of continuous innovation and learning is vital in this era. Steve Jobs is just one of the existing examples of taking risks. He acted on his vision not knowing what the possible outcome would be. Jobs believed that people with passion can change the world, and those who crazily believe that they can are the ones who actually do. 1 We adapt to things as they are we live in the established culture even if 24

30 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan it limits us from the changes we can make the world. Taking risks is a brave act. People who want to transform and bring about a possibility of a constructive culture ought to perform this courageous act. Helen Keller said, Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience of it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. People who want to transform and bring about a possibility of a constructive culture ought to perform this courageous act. What Now 1. What happens when we get wrapped up in our circumstances? 2. Why do we need to take risks? 3. Is our vision of a constructive culture blocked when we wait for certainty? 25

31 9 th Commandment 9th Commandment LivingintheFuture Power Truth Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future. Albert Camus 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. Hebrews 13:9 KJV 26

32 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Aim for the Future Assessments, opinions, and interpretations are acts associated with the past. The future is the declaration. President Kennedy s declaration of putting a man on the moon was a brave statement. But oftentimes, we become unassertive and this overwhelms us. We use What if phrases and others such as I think it s possible if, I believe we can, We will become leaders in A new future is in the making when you hear such statements. Managing and shifting our moods can help block the past. Actions for the future will follow accordingly. Managing and shifting our moods can help block the past. Actions for the future will follow accordingly. Aiming for the future is a vision we all want to reach. It is definitely not a difficult task. You just have to declare a new possibility. What s extremely hard is to maintain that declaration. Many competent leaders can attest to that. Before they even accomplished greater things that made an impact to the world, they had to deal with drifting back to the past. Majority of the events we participated in are those of the past. 1 We give opinions, assessments, but we don t declare new possibilities. We easily drift back to our past. A constructive culture relies on a viable future. We easily drift back to our past. A constructive culture relies on a viable future. 27

33 9 th Commandment Explore the possibilities of your future. After all, you ll be spending most of your time in the future realities. Kim Krisco, author of Leadership and the Art of Conversation, defines the future as a place in time, and time is the road we travel. Future is always in the making. It is created and moods are powerful elements to create a productive one. Create a culture that is constructive and live in the product of that reality. Kim Krisco, author of Leadership and the Art of Conversation, defines the future as a place in time, and time is the road we travel. What Now 1. What happens when we become unassertive? 2. Which is harder- declaring a possibility or maintaining that declaration? 3. Are you drifting back on your past? How can you live in the future reality? 28

34 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 10th Commandment BeaPossibility Power Truth If you see in any given situation only what everybody else can see, you can be said to be so much a representative of your culture that you are a victim of it. S. I. Hayakawa And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 MSG 29

35 10 th Commandment Possibilities are Unlimited Endless possibilities in life are present There are possibilities for change and improvement all around us. Personally and professionally, unlimited possibilities are fundamentally accessible. Some people seek these possibilities in order to better themselves finding love, landing a job, and putting up a successful business. These influence the mood we convey our culture. However, difficulty occurs when we do not see life s possibilities. Hopelessness often overwhelms our present situation and pulls us away from these possibilities. Maintaining a mood for a constructive culture requires embarking on the possibilities around us. And how do we do that? We have to accept change. George Bernard Shaw said, The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react. Maintaining a mood for a constructive culture requires embarking on the possibilities around us. We have to accept change. Change, of course, is not often easy. Many of us settle on our own comfort zones. But, we have to know that oftentimes, what is unfamiliar can be rewarding when we take it as a challenge. We are fortunate to be living in an era where so many changes are necessary. Innovation is inevitable and we are challenged by new discoveries, new ideas, and new realities. 1 30

36 10 Commandments of the Mood of a Constructive Culture Bishop E. Bernard Jordan We are fortunate to be living in an era where so many changes are necessary. Innovation is inevitable and we are challenged by new discoveries, new ideas, and new realities. Our future is not confined in the past or in the present. We all have a choice to be a possibility in the society we live in and to be a possibility in building a constructive culture. What Now 1. What often pulls us away from possibilities? 2. Why do we need to embark on the possibilities around us? 3. Look around you. What are the possibilities present for you? 31

37 More Resources Chittenden, C. (2010). A passive or constructive culture. Retrieved from Chittenden, C. (2013). Creating culture is simple. Retrieved online on Erhard, W. Jensen, M. C. Zaffron, S. & Granger, K. L. (2014). Course materials for: Being a leader and the effective exercise of leadership: An ontological/phenomenological model. Flores, F. (2012). Conversations for action and collected essays.south Carolina: CreatedSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Hanley, J. P. (1989). Lifespring getting yourself from where you are to where you want to be. Simon & Schuster. Krisco, K. H. (1997). Leadership and the art of conversation.prima Publishing. Olalla, J. (2004). From knowledge to wisdom: Essays on the crisis in contemporary learning. Boulder, CO: Newfield Network, Inc. 32

38 Selman, J. (2009). Leadership. Pearson Education. Willmore, J. (NA). Creating the life you really want: stimulating risk is inseparable from living. Retrieved from Build a constructive culture. (NA). Retrieved from 33

39 Scriptural References 1 st Commandment 1 Romans 12:2 2 nd Commandment 1 Galatians 3:28 3 rd Commandment 1 John 15:19 4 th Commandment 1 1 Thessalonians 4: th Commandment 1 1 John 2: th Commandment 1 Colossians 2:8 7 th Commandment 1 Daniel 1: th Commandment 1 Romans 13:12 9 th Commandment 1 1 Corinthians 9: th Commandment 1 John 3:16 34