Last week we kicked off a series focused on different storytelling tricks and mechanics, and we analyzed unreliable narrators.  This week we are going to dive into world-building and culture.

World-building is the creation of a fictional world that is believable and consistent within the context of the story (WORLDBUILDING Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster).  It is comprised of all of the details that describe the world, how it works, and how the characters operate in that world.  Some fictional worlds are grounded in realism, while some are grounded in fantasy.

Pretend for a minute that you’re reading a story that takes place in England.  There are dragons in the story.  Does it make sense to have dragons in the story?  It depends.  If the book is Pride and Prejudice, and the world is built more on realism then the dragons don’t fit.  If the book is Harry Potter, and the world is built on magic and mythical creature than a dragon fits right in.

You’re probably wondering how this connects to work.  Pretend for a minute that someone challenges the leader in a meeting.  Is this okay?  It depends.  If the culture is one that is built on hierarchy and fear, then this is not acceptable behavior.  If this is a psychologically safe culture where people are encouraged to challenge ideas, then not only is challenging the leader acceptable, but it is also expected.  I’ve been on teams in both situations, have you?  How did you feel about living in each of those cultures?

With all this in mind, what if building culture is the same thing as world-building?  Building culture is comprised of all of the details that describe the group’s mission, how the team works, and how the characters operate within that culture.  We can influence all of those things.  We can set the mission.  We can set the tone for what mindsets and behaviors are acceptable and rewarded.  We all have the power to influence and build the culture we want to be in.

The challenge- What kind of world, what kind of culture will you build?

Bonus deep reflection- What kind of culture/world do you think your actions create around you?  How do your behaviors create that culture/world?

I’d hope that people say, “Andrew creates a culture of care, creativity, and nerdtastic fun and authenticity.”  These are the things I’m intentionally trying to build.  I try to invest time in understanding people and showing them I appreciate them.  I build a culture of creativity by embracing messy problems, making connections, and being willing to try new things.  I’m nerdtastic fun from my socks to my Team’s background, which sends a message that I’m comfortable with who I am and I want you to be who you are too.  I may not always succeed at building this world, but that’s what I constantly try to do.

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry