As a boss, it is your job to ensure everyone in the workplace is comfortable. Otherwise, they won’t work hard enough and their output will fall. It’s a simple equation: E = mc2. In layman’s terms, it equates to Environment=motivation/competency squared. Yes, you have just read Einstein’s unifying theory being compared to your humble office! All jokes aside, if the atmosphere isn’t right the workforce will down tools and stop working. At the least, they won’t reach their potential.
Have you ever taken a moment to look at the office you have created? It isn’t something bosses do often yet it’s essential. By being objective, you should be able to spot the type of workplace that is in action. Only then can you decide whether it’s positive or negative, and which fixes, if any are needed.
These are personality traits which dictate the type of office. It’s up to you to decide if they are good or bad.
The Happy-Go-Lucky One
We all know the people that are annoyingly happy, and offices can be the same too. The way to tell is to look for a certain amount of happiness and good cheer. Every office has laughter and smiles, but there is usually an undertone or seriousness and hard work. Happy-go-lucky offices are incredibly cheery and pleasant and there are no signs of bullying or harassment. On the contrary, it’s an accommodating place where people are free to get on with their roles in peace. It’s tempting only to see the positives because there are many. For example, a happy ethos is non-toxic and not inhibiting so workers have a sense of independence. However, don’t forget that a workplace can be too chilled and that employers can take liberties. After all, they aren’t angels and may not have the firm’s interests at heart.
The Always-Look-On-The-Brightside One
Don’t get this confused with the previous personality type because there are distinctions. To always look on the bright side of life doesn’t require constant cheeriness. It isn’t about being a good person all the time. If anything, this trait is about reacting to specific situations with a certain degree of objectivity. Normally, it manifests itself when something goes wrong and the business is in trouble. For instance, an investment can go bad, or a PR stunt can result in negative publicity. How the company reacts is vital, which is why this is a very good trait to have in the office. Hopefully, in a time of need, the whole workforce will say “come on, people; let’s keep going!” As corny as it sounds, it’s essential to bounce back twice as hard when you get knocked down.
The 1984 One
Okay, so the title is a little misleading. Big Brother may be watching, but it’s only to monitor aspects that are integral to the company. For example, think about IT for a moment. A server has to run smoothly and have an uninterrupted connection to the Web if the business is going to be productive. To hit this goal, bosses have to consider where to buy network monitoring software to keep tabs. If you don’t, small problems can escalate into huge issues which cost the firm money and other valuable resources. Obviously, there is a human element to monitoring too. Firstly, you can’t let employees slack off and waste time as it hurts your bottom line. Also, it’s crucial that you track standards to ensure only the highest quality is allowed. To do this, some businesses may have to use tracking and listening devices. On the one hand, it does alert you to issues, but, on the other, it doesn’t instil trust.
The Competitive One
All workplaces are competitive because it’s a dog eat dog industry and only the fittest survive. Those that aren’t cannibals don’t get the protein they need to win the race. Still, there are levels of competitiveness in the office. Let’s consider Jordan Belfort and The Wolf of Wall Street for a moment. By all accounts, his workers used to shout, scream and do a range of other things to secure a victory. To take one look at his office, you would be sure you need to be competitive to get ahead. The signs won’t be as obvious in your office – most of them are illegal – but there may be an undercurrent. Cut-throat businesses are not fluid, progressive spaces where teamwork is encouraged. People will work together yet only to further their agenda. Darwinians may like the idea, but remember that talented workers come in all shapes and sizes. Some just need an arm around the shoulder to harbour their skills.
The Money-Maker One
They say money makes the world spin, which is a complete lie because it’s gravity. Regarding workers’ motives, money does play a big role in their lives. Everyone needs it to get by, but some people buzz off the excitement of bringing in the big bucks. Cash is motivation, and without it, they wouldn’t turn up for work. Clearly, companies need these people to shift units and stay out of the red, yet a money-making atmosphere is not always positive. Why? It’s because of burnout. After a while, the office will begin to feel fatigued and suffer from a lack of motivation. Average employees just need a rest, but money-enthusiasts need the thrill of the chase. It’s a vicious circle can make a business vulnerable.
The I’ve-Got-Big-Dreams One
We all like to see ourselves as passionate and driven. However, some take it to the extreme. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is the wealthiest man in the world. Do you think he got to the top by taking it easy? No, he worked, and he stills does, probably, eighty-hour weeks to realise his dream. Without dedication to the cause, your company won’t be able to match the success of people like Bezos. If you are positive, you will say “that’s fine because I don’t want to make those sacrifices.” On the flip side, it would be nice to be worth $112 million.
Have you taken a long, hard look in the mirror? Which one of the above, if any, relates to your business?
