More on good humor.
I’ve long been a proponent of hiring for attitude, and the one I’ve focused on throughout my career is optimism. Meaning applicants are open, curious, flexible, resilient, and seeing opportunities in every glass that’s half full. The key to making the most of those kinds of employees is to show them (1) the tasks they need to accomplish, (2) how to do them effectively, and (3) what the results should look like. In other words, give them a little confidence, let that grow into confidence, and allow them to feel comfortable enough to let their personality shine through. In that kind of environment, they’ll feel like having fun and being of good cheer, two good foundations of good humor. And if you give them lots of practice, both at the tasks at hand and the jovial way they approach them, there’ll be times when smiles and genuine laughs abound. It’s called a nice place to work, something that might be in high demand – when market uncertainties grow, people will look for good places to work. That means if you’re their boss, you must nourish and nurture this, by being a good communicator and listener, a coach interested in helping them discover what they want and need, and a smiling role model. Practice yourself and help them practice. Together you’ll be creating the kind of culture that is trusting and respected. And that starts with a little good humor today.
David Seabury (1885 – 1960): American psychologist, writer, and lecturer.
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