How to be happy at work
January 24, 2012 by Marguerite Orane
Filed under Practice, Work
Be happy first – as a leader, you have to turn up happy. Take ownership of your own joy in life – and show it!- Stop complaining – complaints are the theives of happiness. Whenever you catch yourself complaining, think instead “What can I do to fix this”? If there is nothing you think you can or need to do, then move along to what you CAN fix or that really needs to be done
- Be clear on the vision and purpose of the organization. By doing so, your team members can now decide “Is this the right place for me”?
- Beware “employee engagement” which has become a nice catch-all, let’s give it to HR to implement phrase. Instead connect with each team member personally. Listen listen listen. Get to know your team
- Create work environments that are fun and encourage laughter – yes, you CAN be serious and smile! Get out of your office and create moments of joy and laughter!
- Tell your team members how much you appreciate them. Happiness is very, very closely aligned with GRATITUDE. Let your team know how grateful you are for their contribution.
Inviting you to add to this list …
Thanks for an awesome booklist, Mags. I can’t seem to grasp the author of “I Heard God Laughing(what a title!) – Daniel ????
All the best and continued success on your journey…
What about cases where you are a leader but cant authorize the changes that can result in any tangible rewards being given to staff ? In tough financial environments we need creative ways of motivating our teams.
Great question! Thanks so much! And of course you are right – you need creative ways of motivating teams. There are many creative ways that don’t cost a lot of money – small, caring things that you as a leader can do to show that you support your team and are there for them. Always remember that money IS important for what it can buy – but one thing it can’t buy is happiness!
As a leader, one thing you can do is engage your team in a discussion of what motivates them. Let THEM tell you (who best?). If they say “More pay”, acknowledge that and then say “And what else”. And then try some of what they suggest.
Good luck – let us know how it works out!