You Don't Like the Culture?! Create Your Own

I am one of the first people to look around and shake my head at the way people drive, shop, walk and talk. The first one to wonder about the things they buy, watch and consume. I have often taken the next step to voice my confusion, dismay and wonder at people. What are they thinking?! is usually the way it starts or ends.
It occurs to me that I am really not helping the issue with this strategy. I have blogged before about asking the question, what is your personal culture? What are you all about? So what happens when you look up one day and don’t like the culture at work, at home, at the gym or in your city?
I figure you have to start to change it … maybe just a little at a time but we have to make some effort to demonstrate to others that there are other options. Every great shift in a culture or organization starts with someone … so why not you?!
I have started a project that really started with a conversation 2 years ago. Then it became a reoccurring conversation and then a first meeting. Soon it was a bunch of regular meetings and last month it became an active corporation with a mission to give young men a new perspective on what being a man can be. Call it life management for young men – www.markofaman.ca
Now all my shifts are not that significant and really don’t need to be. Sometimes I just don’t participate in conversations that don’t fit my culture – it sends a message. Other times its just an injection of a new opinion or option for people when I hear them struggling with their surroundings.
Most of all, I hope everyone realizes that their participation in a culture they don’t like is optional. Get out and start to create your own. Everyone eats burgers at lunch? Start a “different restaurant each week” culture and see who follows your lead. It can be that easy. Leadership is an easy step like that - consistently.