The (work) environment starts within you. Many of us can immediately identify our work environments as either positive or negative. But do you realize those labels come from inside you? Too often we look at either of these realms as being simply the result of someone else's actions or responsibility - our bosses, employees, coworkers, management. Not true. Your life starts and ends with you. Do others play a role in the environmental attitude? Of course they do, but only to the extent that you allow them... before you throw in the towel, take a look at what you are adding to the communication environment of the organization.

Make a list of all of the words you use to describe yourself.

 

Go ahead, write them down. Describe your gender, looks, body image, skin color, class, religion, (communication style, how you feel when the bully is around, how you feel when the bully is not around, your work ethic, your work product, your emotions). Every word you can think of that constitutes a label you attach to yourself.

 

After you assemble the list, ask yourself, "Did I make up these words? Did I choose these labels for myself?" Which words empower you? Which words limit you? Which images have you struggled to throw off? Which words have you readily accepted, and to your detriment or benefit?

It's as simple as choosing different words.