As leaders, whether it be as CEO’s, coaches, parents, or pastors, we have the honor of being the architects of organizational cultures where people can flourish.As I was reading Sam Chand’s book, Cracking Your Church’s Culture (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2011), I came across 9 characteristics of an unhealthy organizational culture (page 34):
1. Unrealistic demands
2. Blaming others
3. Feeling threatened by others success
4. Power struggles
5. Dishonesty
6. Creating an atmosphere of fear
7. Using people instead of valuing people
8. Unclear vision, strategy, goals, and values
9. A lack of authenticity
Perhaps you’ve seen some of these unhealthy characteristics in your family as you were growing up or you see them now in your current job? If you stay in a culture like this too long, they may begin to negatively shape your life.
The only way to reverse these unhealthy characteristics is through love, which practically plays out in trust and respect. When people within a family, team, or ministry love each other, they’ll trust and respect one another.
But in order to risk loving people, we must embrace God’s unconditional love for us in Jesus. Once we become secure in God’s love for us, we’re willing to risk loving people regardless of how they respond to us.
So, how do you create a healthy organizational culture? CLICK HERE to find out.
Marinate on that,
Pastor Derwin



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Dear Pastor Gray,
I have been a student, teacher and consultant in organizational planning and leadership for over 30 years, and I think you have wrapped this up very completely and succinctly.
I am also very gratified to know that pastors do care about organizational leadership and organizational life, because how we lead people and organizations in the business world is clearly a testament to our christian values and our faith. If we are leading an organization that has one of more of the 9 characteristics noted above, I believe it is our obligation as followers of Christ to take a hard look at what we are doing (or allowing to be done). Not just because it’s “good for business”, but because we are to be witnesses in our daily life as well as leaders in Christ’s mission.
Thanks!
Jim Stodd
JT Stodd & Associates
Amen Jim!
Imagine the powerful witness Christ-followers we would be if we led and created healthy organizational environments?
Thanks for the encouragement!