Page 101 - Anne Bruce - Building A HIgh Morale Workplace (2002)

Putting the Kibosh on Negativity 81

such a success that branches nationwide began implementing
their own culture councils. Councils eventually became responsi-
ble for all corporate events, hiring practices, and workplace fun!

Managers’ Challenge

Every company and industry today is faced with the challenge of
achieving competitive advantage through its people. So the chal-
lenge for managers is for employees to be happy. Remember:
unhappiness is a reflection of behaviors and poor attitudes are a

reflection of negativity. Of course, there are also going to be the
extreme cases of those who turn to bad choices like drugs or
alcohol when they’re unhappy with their lives and others who
may express their dissatisfaction by stealing from the company

or ignoring safety regulations and putting others at risk. Although
no manager can give his or her employees everything they want
in life, showing appreciation and understanding and com-
passion can go a long way
in registering high on the Practice FIDO

employee morale meter. There is great wisdom in
The best managers get knowing when to accept
the job done through their the things and the people that you
people and by helping cre- cannot change.That’s when it’s smart
to practice FIDO—“Forget it and
ate a healthy and happy
drive on!”—which means, even as the
work environment. This
manager, there’s only so much you
chapter has given you a
can do to meet the needs of your
practical and down-to- people.When employee behavior’s
earth guide to battling the gotten out of your control and all of
negativism that erodes your helpfulness has been refused,

employee morale. But then it’s time to accept what you can-
don’t stop here. Ask your not change, make those tough deci-
employees for their input sions, and get on with it.
and ideas for maintaining

positive workplace morale and corporate spirit. You might be
surprised at their enthusiasm for the chance to make a differ-
ence and be heard.