I Actually Liked Going to Work
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Summary
- I liked going to work because of my manager, Mike. He made me feel valued by letting team members give positive feedback about each other in meetings.
- During a team meeting, three people said very nice things about me, making me feel encouraged and grateful to be part of the team.
- At that time, I had just moved to California and didn't know anyone. Despite feeling uncomfortable in a new job, I felt supported and safe because of the caring people and boss.
- That same rewarding job quickly became the worst one I ever had with a single change: my boss.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing a system where team members can regularly give positive feedback to each other. This could be a simple, low-cost activity during weekly meetings. Encourage everyone to share something nice or commendable about their teammates. It's a great way to foster a supportive and encouraging work environment.
A good way of doing this is by setting aside just a few minutes in each meeting for this "positive feedback" segment. You’ll be amazed at how much it can boost morale and make people feel valued. In personal growth, you could start a practice of daily or weekly journaling where you write positive things about yourself or others.
Another great approach is creating a safe and welcoming onboarding process for new team members. Just like I felt supported and safe when I didn't know anyone yet, providing new hires with a buddy or mentor can help them feel included and valued from day one. This doesn't cost much but can have high-value returns in terms of employee satisfaction and retention.
Lastly, ensure that the qualities that made Mike a great manager—like showing genuine care for the team—are highlighted in management training. This way, even if there's a change in leadership, the positive culture remains intact. Regularly training leaders to be empathetic and supportive can prevent the drastic negative impact that I experienced when my supportive boss was replaced.
