Season 9 Episode 6: “Feels Like” Temperatures with Christian Long

Season 9 Episode 6: “Feels Like” Temperatures with Christian Long

Summary:

In this episode of The Thermostat Podcast, Jason Barger and Christian Long explore the concept of “feels like” temperatures in the context of corporate culture and leadership. They discuss how the perceived temperature of a workplace can differ from the intended culture, and how leaders can create environments where people feel connected, supported, and empowered.

Key Themes:

• Connection: The importance of human connection and creating a sense of belonging in the workplace.
• Curiosity: The power of asking questions and fostering a culture of inquiry.
• Resilience: The ability to adapt and respond effectively to challenges and setbacks.
• Intentionality: The need for leaders to be mindful of the culture they are creating and to take proactive steps to shape it.
• Works in Progress: Embracing the idea that individuals, teams, and organizations are always evolving and learning.

Notable Quotes:

• “I want to double down on people and I want the work to be the invitation but not necessarily the limitation of why we’re together.” – Christian Long

• “What people want is connection and what they want to do is feel like they’re a part of something and feel like they are whatever it is that they are endeavoring in and toward, is bringing out the best in them.” – Jason Barger

• “How can we invite men to be present for one another so they can be present for others?” – Christian Long

• “The prioritizing asking the question as opposed to providing the answer.” – Christian Long

• “There are so many people out there where they they don’t know where that outlet is and they don’t have a space to kind of wrestle with and move through that.” – Jason Barger

• “The ability to not rush to solve or confirm, but instead to stay a little longer in that liminal space.” – Christian Long

• “The messy along the way parts.” – Christian Long

• “We are all works in progress.” – Jason Barger

Questions to Ponder:

1. How does the “feels like” temperature in your workplace compare to the intended culture?
2. What steps can you take to create a more connected and supportive environment for your team?
3. How can you foster a culture of curiosity and inquiry within your organization?
4. What are you doing to build resilience in yourself and your team?
5. How are you embracing the idea that you are a work in progress?

Ultimately, the “feels like” temperature of your workplace is a reflection of the collective experience of your team. It’s not just about the programs you implement or the values you espouse, but the genuine connections you foster, the questions you encourage, and the grace you extend to one another as you navigate the messy, imperfect journey of working together. By prioritizing people, embracing curiosity, and acknowledging that we are all works in progress, we can create cultures where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to contribute their best.

Links and References

For more insights and practical tips, be sure to check out Jason V Barger’s book Breathing Oxygen. This book dives deeper into the concepts discussed in this episode and provides additional strategies for fostering a positive mindset and effective leadership.

Visit bonfire-workshop.com as referenced in this podcast.

By incorporating these practices into your summer routine, you can breathe new life into your personal and professional endeavors. Remember, as Jason says, “The best leaders, teams, and cultures on the planet stimulate progress by recalibrating their thermostat together.”

Our next episode will feature “Feels Like” Temperatures with Christian Long. Stay Tuned!