"Annoyed People Are Busy" and Other Myths

If we can be happy at work, why wouldn't we (or why aren't we)?

Our brains resist the words HAPPY and WORK in the same sentence

It's like that episode of Seinfeld where George subscribes to the idea that looking annoyed means you look more productive.

I see it all the time.

Sometimes just saying the name of my business causes a little short circuit in people's brains.

Where else do I see it?

Speakers who say "having fun at work is unrealistic." Guess where I heard that? From someone giving a talk at a meeting on healthy workplaces. (Replace "unrealistic" with "necessary" and you've got it right!)

Why is this happening?

Because we have been conditioned to think that work must make us miserable, that we have to be ogre bosses to successfully lead a team, and that George Costanza is right.

Unhappy = productive

It doesn't make you a successful leader if people are miserable and look annoyed and busy.

Think of the Whistle While You Work song from Snow White. It's right in the lyrics:

When hearts are high the time will fly so whistle while you work!

Make the happiness of your team a priority and what will you see happen?

• Increased engagement

• Happier customers

• Better ideas

So if you're saying now "Yes yes yes, happy at work. I get it, but how do I achieve it?"

Healthy and transparent communication, rewarding your team for a job well done, asking questions, and creating an environment that inspires and fosters growth to name a few.

What does this look like when you're running a business during a pandemic?

• Over communicating with the team while you are separated.

• Getting creative with staying connected.

• Being honest with them about what's coming up. If you don't know, then say that.

Need some guidance? You know where to find me.

And don't let my happy face fool you- I got a ton of work done today!