5 Ingredients to a Culture of Happiness at Work

Today’s workplace isn’t the same as our parent’s or grandparent’s workplace. Back in the day, the boss told the employee to jump and the employee responded “Absolutely! How high should I jump?” That doesn’t work so well in today’s workplace. The practice of barking out commands, telling employees to hit the bricks if they’re not happy, or threatening to fire them simply don’t work. And that’s ok. This is a different time. Most companies operate with more respect towards their staff. They value them as prized assets. Many companies know the ingredients to a successful and happy culture at work. Let’s take a look at them.

Ingredient #1: Good Leadership

Nothing will get done properly without a strong leader at the helm. A good leader is truly dedicated to his or her mission, vision and employees. They know that people are people and life is life; therefore they need to be flexible and not rigid in their leadership style. The best leaders care and are passionate about their roles and relationships. These people carry out the mission and uphold values, principles and share the narrative of the company. They move the story forward. They act with both intelligence and compassion. And, they always lead by example and put their money where their mouth is.

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Ingredient #2: Leading through the Law of Attraction

A good leader knows that they possess a very influential and powerful energy, be it positive or negative. Good leaders bring positive energy to the workplace and according to Law of Attraction, they attract “birds of a feather”, or employees with similar positive energy. They have goals, are driven by purpose, have meaning in their work, and make choices in a positive manner. These leaders have positive attitudes, love their job, are grateful, and form genuine relationships with co-workers and colleagues. They know how to visualize and imagine. They are also mindful and give their employees full presence.

Ingredient #3: Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a cherished skill set to have as a leader. It is one’s ability to be simultaneously aware of his or her own feelings and emotions as well as those of other people they work with or are surrounded by. Great leaders can feel people’s emotions and know how to communicate and interact based on those emotions. They can make better decisions using emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence also involves the ability to empathize with others, to recognize one’s mood and that of other people, and the ability to appropriately respond emotionally and behaviorally to employees.

Ingredient #4: Hospitality

Most of our parents, teachers and other influential people taught us manners as children and young people. Don’t forget to use them! Smart leaders have hospitality in their heart. Knowing what people want or expect is a talent. Hospitality is the skill to deliver what they want or need. Good leaders enhance the environment by being kind and courteous and by giving and serving. One great leadership type is actually called “Servanthood Leadership”. You should check it out. Great leaders provide personalized attention, embrace employees, families, residents, and others. They are genuine, prepared, engaged, and accountable.

Ingredient #5: Stress Management

I just gave a talk on this yesterday! Great leaders do not cause more stress for others. Instead, they buffer stress, deflect it, deal with it and reduce stress for others. They know how to handle stress and realize that “no storm lasts forever”. They don’t make little matters into huge problems. They have the keen ability to see things differently. These leaders create positive energy that makes stress seem not so stressful. They use the power of love to reduce stress. They demonstrate gratitude, which also minimizes the effects of stress.

Conclusion

The world needs more and better leaders. We could also use them in health care. Some people are born with certain talents and others build upon their skills. I think everyone has a leader inside themselves, but need to find it and let it out. Being a leader takes energy and can be tiring. Although there are many characteristics of great leaders, I chose to focus on five ingredients that I believe are vital to a culture of happiness at work. They are strong and effective leadership , the Law of Attraction, emotional intelligence, hospitality and stress management. I hope this article has been a good reminder of these qualities and has encouraged you to take a look at your own style of leadership.