Perception is everything when it comes to shaping our impressions of people, places, groups and/or movements. The idea that a first impression can lead us to create fictitious story lines of each other – with hardly any depth of interaction – is a powerful tool. Or maybe a lethal weapon.

This idea encouraged me to reflect on the impressions I communicate, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

The “broken windows” theory.

In 1982, John Q. Wilson and George Kelling collectively came up with a concept called the  “broken windows” theory which explains the source of many social and criminal disorders within communities. The name is derived from the notion that if, in a neighborhood, a broken window goes unrepaired, then people walking by will gain the impression that there’s no need to upkeep, control, or care for the community. Eventually this, in theory, leads to more and more broken windows within that community. Although I don’t agree with every aspect of this philosophy when applied through the lens of  criminology, the idea makes sense, it’s sticky, and I love it.

I applied this logic to my work place behavior, then began to question “am I a broken window or am I intact?” The purpose of asking was to identify whether or not I’m behaving as a model of a well-functioning and positive company culture. It’s a lot of pressure for us to try to meet that bar day in and day out, but without us taking this on as a personal responsibly, imagine how inoperative the workplace becomes.

For this week and beyond, I’m encouraging myself (and you) to think about how we potentially add to or subtract from a prosperous culture, whether it be professional or personal. Are we the ones casting stones or restoring our communities back to health?

-JO