Climate Essay
Jessica Garnett
October 5, 2015

Being an active listener in the workplace is very important. Actually making eye contact and waiting till the speaker is completely done before responding is one of the biggest steps. Keeping your focus on what the message is without being judgmental and placing your self- interest aside. A poor habit that many develop is faking your attention. When you have more on your mind than the interest of the speaker you act like your listening but really aren’t. In the workplace this practice is a definite downfall for productivity. Directions or information that needs passed on either does not or misunderstood. Even if the information does not pertain to you in general, it is always good to just stop what you are doing and listen. When you walk into a workplace and sat there looking lost and confused there is two types of climates you could encounter. A supportive relationship workplace and a defensive workplace environment. In a supportive environment, you will be welcomed and greeted warmly. Questions asked are answered honestly but friendly. Supportive climates worked together when problems arise they communicate with openness and honesty. They see each other as equals, no one person is believes they are better than another or feel that someone is superior to them. They work together as a unit and show empathy not only towards customers but also the fellow employees, not only in workplace situations but also in personal. They make you feel like you are a part of a family rather than just coworkers. They are open minded when figuring out solutions and trying new ideas. These types of workplace environments are the places that people want to come back to not only to purchase but also to work. They want to become a part of the work community to help and serve others. The defensive climate that you may encounter can be a rude, un-wanting welcome. Rather than being descriptive to someone they are judgmental and blame others for mistakes. They do not redirect someone when negative comments are made. Like, YOU did not do that right, or YOU are not listening to me. Stuff like that. One person likes to control the whole aspect of the problem and expect the other person to just be fine with it. In defensive climates, instead of having natural conversations to improve the workplace, they manipulate or script out their responses. They may feel uncomfortable when put on the spot in a more natural spontaneous conversation. They often do not show empathy to other but rather have a neutral expression. It can be harder to read someone that is neutral and make them seem self-absorbed. Superiority is often found in a defensive climate. Even though one person is ranked a little higher than another they use that against the other. Finally, in a defensive climate you will see certainty, rather than being open minded. They are not open to ideas and are set on their ways. It is a know it all view that limits the satisfaction in life. Almost always defensive climates do not work well in the workplace, whether they are customers or employees Drama in the workplace is never good. In healthcare, it is a female dominate field. Depending on the facility, often the workplace becomes a mixture of defensive and supportive climate. For example, my current job as a state tested nursing assistant at a long term healthcare facility. Most of us are all female, with the select few. On occasion, drama sets in. Most of the times it is just between coworkers and not family or guests that come in. We all still work together or at least make sure we are there for our residents and that they are taken care of. Even though we are sometimes defensive with each other, we always try and do our best and remain supportive towards our residents and guest and even towards each other in front of residents and guests. But from my experience this is typical in a female based climate. Other examples can be when you walk into department stores; some will give you the glance over and decide how well they want to help you. I have often gotten this. If you don’t have the look or appearance that they feel is fit for their store they do very little to encourage you or help you. Others are greeting you at the door to help you and give that welcoming feel not only to help you but also towards their own coworkers. Waitresses/ waiters are another example of having the supportive and defensive characteristics. Some come in as downright rude and not want to work. While others are willing to do whatever it takes to make your meal the best meal and experience you have had.