Trigger Question #180:
Let’s assume that happy people are more productive at work than unhappy people. If you don’t agree with this assumption, then make your employees unhappy and evaluate their productivity. Or their attitude, their teamwork, their contribution, whatever.
If you still think that unhappiness at work is irrelevant, then I suggest you stop reading now. What follows will just make you unhappy.
Let’s begin with an important point: you cannot make someone else happy. So stop trying to make your employees happy. That is not your job. Their happiness is not your responsibility.
However, it is your responsibility to deal with unhappy employees. No, not by firing them willy-nilly. How then? By removing the obstacles to happiness. Stop doing whatever makes them unhappy. Specifically stop what causes unhappiness and does not add value.
Let me give you a few examples.
Do meetings make people unhappy? Yes, if you consider no prior agenda, too many participants, the ‘wrong’ participants, no agreement on the next steps, time taken and wasted. Now ask yourself: How do your meetings add value?
- Do emails make people unhappy? Yes, if you consider the volume of emails, the lack of meaningful subject heading, too many diverse topics per email, the ever-expanding CCs and even BCs. Now ask yourself: How do your emails add value?
Do cubicles or open-plan workspaces make people unhappy? Yes, if you consider the noise level, easy interruptions, inability to focus or concentrate, glaring fluorescent lights. Now ask yourself: How do your office cubicles or open office plan add value? (You might think there’s value in cubicles and open-plan spaces. But that’s because you are looking out from the peace of your private office. So do some research before you judge.)
I’m sure you can list a few more obstacles to happiness in your work environment. That is, if you are a perceptive manager.
So, now that you know what makes employees, and yourself, unhappy at work, consider this question:
What is easier: making someone happy or removing what makes them unhappy?
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“We were happy at work until our boss wanted us to have more fun.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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