Building a Positive Work Environment--Is it Over-rated?

Getting Results. This is the primary role of the manager. An important aspect of this role is creating and maintaining a positive work environment. Why is it so important? A positive work environment increases productivity, which in the long run--produces extraordinary results. Here is some ways to do it.

1. Positive Feedback. Acknowledge your employees contributions. This action demonstrates that you know and appreciate their efforts. It also shows that you care about their personal development. Individuals always enjoy receiving positive feedback. Don't you?

2. Delegate. Provide employees with ever growing responsibility and authority to get the job done. This makes your staff feel valued, trusted and respected.

3. "Learn from Mistakes." Allowing your staff the freedom to make mistakes encourages them to work "outside the box" and utilize creativity. If your staff feels they will be chasticed for every error, they will become reactive versus proactive and productivity suffers.

4. Laugh and Have Fun. Laughter increases your energy level since you need to intake oxygen during laughter. By having fun, people become more relaxed and their creativity increases along with the effectiveness and productivity.

5. Teambuilding Exercises. Conduct exercises to build "esprit de corps". Take your staff out for a pizza lunch or organize a "walk outside meetings". These exercises improve communication and foster synergy.

So, waht can you do today to bring positive energy to your work environment?