Such a simple question – and yet absolutely brilliant. Someone asked me this recently, and it really made me stop and think. Because here’s the thing:
👉 When you walk into a room – do you reflect the energy in the room, or do you set it ?
The Thermometer: Reacting to the Room
A thermometer senses the temperature of the room and adjusts accordingly. The same goes for us as people – when we act like thermometers, we take on the mood or energy of the space we walk into. If it’s tense, we become tense. If it’s relaxed, we relax. We mirror the atmosphere. And while it’s useful to be aware of your environment – you can also end up losing your own centre.
Termostaten: sätter värmen
But a thermostat does something else entirely. It also checks the temperature – but then makes an active choice:
💬 Is the room running too hot? Time to cool it down.
💬 Is it cold and distant? Let’s warm it up a few degrees.
Being a thermostat means leading with intention. You influence the climate rather than absorbing it. Maybe the room is tense due to ongoing conflict – that’s when a cooling presence can help restore balance. Or maybe it’s cold due to silence or language barriers – and then it’s time to bring warmth, curiosity and connection.
So How Do You Become a Thermostat?
Each room is different. Sometimes you know exactly what you’re walking into, and sometimes you don’t. But two things are always within your control:
1️⃣ Your inner state – how you feel, your energy, your presence
2️⃣ Your intention – what you want to create, contribute or influence
Before stepping into the room, take a moment to check in with yourself:
- What’s my current state – do I need to adjust it?
- What’s my intention in this conversation or meeting?
- What do I want to bring into the space?
When you enter the room with awareness and clarity, you naturally take your place with more calm, confidence and purpose.
So… What Do You Choose to Be?
Thermometer – or thermostat?
For me, this is a connection to my values. Who I want to be. One of the values I have is "Joy":
For me, it's not about always being bubbly or smiling. It’s about stepping into a conversation – planned or spontaneous – with presence, warmth, and curiosity:
🌱 Who do I have in front of me?
💡 What can we create together?
When I carry joy as my intention, something happens. I see more opportunities. I become more creative. And I notice that it spreads – that others dare to be more open, playful, and curious in return.
Joy is not something I wait to feel – it’s something I choose to make space for. In meetings, in relationships, in my everyday life. Just like the sun on a spring day – when it warms right into your soul – I want to bring that feeling when I step into a room. And you know what? It makes a difference.
💬 What attitude do you want to choose when you step into your next meeting or conversation?
I’m curious to hear if you have any tips for being a thermostat? Feel free to comment!
