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How to Create a Positive Work Atmosphere

Positive versus Negative Workplaces

We have all worked in places where we grew to dread getting up in the morning, and a few of us have had the pleasure of working for a boss who makes us feel like we can do anything. Let's take a look at the differences between a positive and a negative work environment.

Signs of a Negative Work Environment

The boss is unfriendly.

The boss is critical.

There is high employee turnover.

There is low employee morale.

People watch the clock.

People don't get much performance feedback.

Signs of a Positive Work Environment

The boss demonstrates interest in the employees.

The boss has an encouraging attitude.

Employees like working there.

There is evidence of company pride and loyalty.

People know where they stand with their supervisors.

Thousands of books have been written on the subject of managing and motivating people, and as many training seminars are conducted on this subject around the world every day. And yet it's interesting that even with all of this available information, few companies succeed at creating a positive work environment. Let's see what's involved.

Four Key Skills

Creating a positive work environment is based on four key skills. They are:

1. Tell people what you expect of them.

2. Show interest in your team members.

3. Create an encouraging environment.

4. Recognize and reward good performance.

Skill #1: State Your Expectations

Telling people what you expect of them means doing the following:

Communicating expectations clearly

Having a specific job description

Identifying specific performance standards

Specifying deadlines

Setting goals

Skill #2: Show Interest in Your Team

What behaviors convey that someone is interested in you?

Making eye contact

Calling you by name

Asking your opinion

Smiling

Complimenting your work

Taking your suggestions

These behaviors convey a lack of interest:

Ignoring you

Not knowing your name or not using it

Not asking your opinion

Ignoring your suggestions

Not commenting on your work

Following your suggestion, but only when heard from someone else

Such signs discourage productivity because they make people feel discouraged, angry, less confident, and stripped of self-esteem.

Skill #3: Create an Encouraging Environment

Most people would agree that an encouraging work environment is one where:

Your ideas are valued.

Creativity is encouraged.

Risks are encouraged.

Fun and laughter are valued.

New ideas are rewarded.

You feel appreciated.

People thank you for your contributions.

Flexibility is valued.

You feel like part of the team.

Creating such an environment results in the following benefits to employees. You:

Contribute more ideas.

Feel more committed.

Look forward to coming to work.

Are more productive.

Have increased self-esteem.

Creating such an environment results in the following benefits to managers and business owners:

Less turnover

Less sabotage

Greater loyalty

Easier to find employees due to good reputation

Higher productivity

Skill #4: Recognize and Reward Good Performance

A reinforcer is anything that happens, after a behavior, that tends to increase the chances that the behavior will be repeated. Included are such things as:

Compliments

Smiles

Thumbs-up gesture

Saying "Thank you"

Public announcement of your achievement

Positive letter in your personnel file

Promotion

Time off

Special parking space

First choice on schedule

Dinner with the boss

Tickets to an event

Extra employee discount

Picture on the bulletin board

Applause at a meeting

Recognition Guidelines

1. Describe the results you are recognizing. Be specific. It's important to make certain the employee knows what behavior or accomplishment you are referring to.

2. State your personal appreciation. Say, "I appreciate it." Adding your personal appreciation makes the compliment feel more genuine.

3. Encourage the person to continue producing such good work. This increases the chances that the person will repeat the desirable behavior.

Garrett Coan is a professional therapist,coach and psychotherapist. His two Northern New Jersey office locations are accessible to individuals who reside in Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Rockland County, and Manhattan. He offers online and telephone coaching and counseling services for those who live at a distance. He can be accessed through http://www.creativecounselors.com or 201-303-4303.

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