Welcome Positive Intelligence in your Company - Happiness Quotient
With schools shutting for vacations, one thought that is passing by in most people’s head is "I can't wait for my vacation (soon). I need a break from the routine." I realised, this is how most people would describe work? Nothing more than the daily routine?
According to a recent Gallup study, just 13 per cent of the world's employees are happy and engaged at work. Rest are pushing their boundaries, self-complaining or just unhappy with many things around them. Sometimes personal unhappiness adds to the job stress.
Unhappy employees are always less productive. So, what does this mean for organizations? To maximize their results, organizations need to start considering their employees "happiness quotient." I call it the Positive Intelligence
After conducting over 100 workshops using Cinema, Theatre, Meditation and Improv I have realised that when people are given a chance to let go and release all the unwanted mind chattering it helps them to start thinking positively. People work with a positive mind-set, perform on nearly every level and their productivity, creativity, engagement improves at great heights. Employees, especially of the millennial generation, no longer view work merely as a means to pay their bills. People are searching for work that is interesting, meaningful and yes, makes them happy.
Yet happiness is perhaps the most misunderstood driver of performance. Most people believe that happiness follows success. “When I get a promotion and a good hike in my salary, I’ll be happy,” they think. “When I am going to find my perfect dream job, I’ll be happy” We forget this is illusion and the demands will never end.
But when you allow success to follow happiness, the positive mind-set will help you perform better and enjoy what you do everyday. One should work on the positive mind-set level across all parameters – Emotional & Mental.
Start by taking smaller steps. just 3 small steps!
1) Choose activities that cultivate positive change in you
- Keep a small diary to jot things you are grateful for.
- Write a positive message to someone in your network.
- Keep happy posters or pictures on your work table
- Exercise for 10 minutes.
- Listen to music atleast 10 min everyday
2) Help your Co-Workers
A study conducted by Harvard Business found that social support was the greatest predictor of happiness during periods of high stress. View your team members as people, not employees. Care about their success and nurture their professional growth. If you are a mentor, don't be afraid to give both positive and constructive feedback. Help them to understand corporate politics, policies and procedures.
- Be genuine and authentic
It is no longer necessary for a senior personnel to be formal and reserved. People today respect leaders who are genuine and real. With role models like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, it's okay to dress casually, it's okay to share personal information and it's certainly okay to make a mistake.
I am currently working with one of the industrial companies – manufacturing cement plants. I recently met with their management who are always working towards the happiness quotient. For over many decades the Management team has humbly developed a multimillion-dollar business ensuring that their employees are well takenc are off.. While he has had to update the technology in his business, the way he runs his business and treats his employees has not changed. They are now mentoring their next line of management but one thing remains common in their values - Be nice, treat people with respect and deliver on your promises.