The Simplest Step in Creating an Inspired Workplace

Apr 6

Photo by Joseph Nicolia

Creating an Inspired Workplace, by definition means that the environment has to be someplace where people want to work.

A few years ago, I had a business in the same office building where I’d worked a few years before that.  As I was driving into the parking garage, going over the first speed bump, I felt my insides tighten up and my breathing become shallow.  I’d hated that job.  For sure, I’d been a part of the 75% of people who aren’t engaged in their work.

The physical response was visceral and unconscious.  I had never noticed before that my dread of the place started before I entered the building.

There were so many things missing from that office.  Hope, comes right to mind.

There were many things present that were undesirable.  The absolute knowledge that we as lowly middle managers and our teams would never be rewarded for our efforts.  In other words, cynicism.

The main thing that we didn’t have was humor.  We had commiseration in the place of comraderie, and what little made us laugh was based on sarcasm and irony.  Anyone recognize this?

The places that “work” that I’ve been a part of or observed as a part of my education have several commonalities.  One of them is humor.  Real humor.  Humor where people laugh a real laugh that originates somewhere in their gut and not in their throat.  Humor that’s inclusive.

Studies have shown that laughter brings us together because it releases the happy endorphins in our brains which make us more receptive to bonding.  You know this is true because you’re attracted to people who make you laugh, aren’t you?

It also breaks down barriers.  It’s a shared experience.  I can illustrate this with the opposite.  Think of a time that you’ve been in a room with someone who is particularly severe, maybe it was a conference room or a strict parent.  Think of a time that something humorous was shared, and everyone laughed but that person.  How did you feel about that?

Now, think of some instances that you were meeting with someone you didn’t know that well.  Maybe it was someone who you didn’t even like all that much.  Get them in a setting where you both shared a laugh and what happened.  Most of the time it was like a wall melting away, wasn’t it?  You were able to communicate with that person better, almost instantaneously.

We also know from the newest studies in neuroscience that happy workers are more creative, more focused and more productive.  Part of the explanation is that those happy endorphins that I brought up earlier also reduce stress.

Bringing humor into the workplace is simple, and yet like many things it isn’t easy.  I would caution you to stay away from jokes because even the seemingly innocuous ones have the capacity to offend.  Much humor comes from out of the ordinary.  You have to look for it.

Here are some ideas for bringing humor into your workplace:

• Start web or face to face meetings off with some humor.  Powerpoint is a great way to present cartoons or comic strips.
• Watch “The Office” or another funny g-rated show as a team at lunch
• Post humourous things on your bulletin board and rotate them regularly.
• Laugh at yourself.   It makes it easier for people to trust you and also to not take themselves so seriously.

The idea that work has to be “work” has gone the way of the mullet.  Trust me, most people don’t need help taking their jobs seriously.  Making the workplace a place full of energy, accomplishment and fun is how you create an inspired workplace.

This is an easy one, folks.  How can you start (or build on) a trend to bring more laughter into your workplace?

Be Your Best You Today,

Carolann

p.s. – We’ve talked before about keeping a positive attitude as you are out and about in the business world.  No one wants to work with a sourpuss, and they won’t hire one.  The next session of “Replacement For Outplacement Bootcamp” starts in April, and the connecting theme across all of the other job hunting skill type things is creating that winning mindset.  If you know someone who has lost their sense of humor because their job search has stalled, I’d appreciate the referral.  You’d be doing your friend a favor.  When you click to leave a comment, use the email button on the left to forward them this post.

Tags: Action Coach, business coach, business plan, Career Coach, Career Management, Carolann Jacobs, Executive Coach, Inimitable Leadership, Inspired Workplace, Leadership, Leadership Coach, Life Coach, Replacement For Outplacement

One Response to “The Simplest Step in Creating an Inspired Workplace”

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   August 31, 2009 at 6:41 pm

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