What Sort of Boss are You?

Happiness seems to be a much sort after commodity in this day and age. More and more organisations are realising that individuals are seeking far more than just a pay-packet at the end of the day. They are seeking to be inspired, to be part of something worthwhile, and most importantly they are seeking to be treated like fellow human beings. 

I have recently finished reading Dan Buettner’s book, ‘Thrive’ which explores the components that contribute to long-term happiness in pockets of communities around the world. Dan has discovered that there are individuals and workplaces who have uncovered the secrets behind combining work and happiness that ensures they are not only surviving, but they are thriving into the future. 

Within this book Dan mentions a Gallup-Healthways poll which showed that having the right boss is the single biggest determinant of workplace satisfaction. So what sort of boss are you? How are you contributing to whether your organisation is surviving or thriving? 

What struck me most about the list of qualities of a ‘thriving’ boss was that none of the qualities spoke about the boss who ‘did up the best roster’, or ‘had the best strategic plan for the team’, or ‘always kept within budget’. Every single quality involved having a boss with strong human skills - being approachable, providing regular feedback, establishing clear requirements, practicing good listening, earning trust etc. 

I believe this same list of qualities works for connecting with colleagues and for generating long-term relationships with clients. If you seek to be approachable, listen genuinely and build trust than your clients will keep coming back. And any business who’s clients love what they do is thriving.  

So as you step forward into your work today, whether it be managing others, working with colleagues, or connecting with clients then seek to be aware of these 3 things: 

1. Make someone’s day better - Acknowledge the initiative, the foresight, the hard-work and the joy of others. There is nothing more reinforcing than praise and acknowledgement.
2. Be approachable (no really) - Remove yourself from your phone, your computer and any distractions and really be available to discuss challenges and problems with the person in front of you. 
3. Get out of the way - Once you have set clear expectations then get out of the way and let others do their job. If you are with clients, then this means get out of the way of your own agenda and listen to what is going on for them. 

Yours in pursuing a thriving future, 

Darren and Alison 

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The PLUG: Dealing with the Tough Stuff Program Exclusive Showcase

Thursday 31 March 2011

Having trouble delivering results from critical conversations?

'Dealing with the Tough Stuff' gives you, your management or organisation practical tools to deal with the really tough conversations within your workplace.

Many managers struggle with the process of dealing with tough conversations and in many cases actually avoid them completely.  This strategy of avoidance reinforces undesired behaviours and may precipitate further problems.

One of the biggest responsibilities with a leadership position is the importance of addressing and dealing with staff issues.  At times this requires you to 'step up to the plate' and ultimately deal with the tough stuff.

Visit www.toughstuffprogram.com for more information on Dealing with the Tough Stuff.

To register your interest  for Dealing with the Tough Stuff on Thursday 31 March 2011 please contact Matt on 0418 577 277 or matt@pragmaticthinking.com. 

THE GIFT:  The Best Happiness Test on the Internet

This weeks free gift has to be the best happiness test on the internet!
In collaboration with Ed Diener, Ph.D and Ryan T. Howell, Ph.D, Blue Zones 'True Happiness Compass' measures;

• how you remember your life,
• how you experience your life,
• and the effect of your environment.

Check it out!