I recently spoke at the Northeast Carwash Association where I met Will Guidara, Author of “Unreasonable Hospitality” – and it was love at first sight!
His message resonated deeply with everything I believe about leadership and creating magic in the workplace.
I had the session before his keynote, a management workshop which I called “How to be a Magnetic Manager.”
As people were leaving the keynote, and running into me while I was moving in Will’s direction, I was surprised at how many people told me that my workshop had fit so beautifully with his. I’d done a good job of making sure it did!
You know me – I’m not shy about discussing those sometimes uncomfortable concepts like feelings, love, and emotions.
When Guidara says “we have an opportunity – a responsibility – to make magic in a world that desperately needs it,” I’m right there nodding enthusiastically!
It reminds me of that delightful “Alice in Wonderland” scene where the Queen tells Alice she believes “as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
As we dive deeper into a world where customer experiences define our brands, maybe it’s time we all started believing in some impossible things too.
The future belongs to leaders who can listen deeply, put egos aside, and patiently cultivate cultures of trust and appreciation.
True 21st-century leaders understand they don’t have all the answers – their role is creating environments that enable extraordinary performance by managing energy and focus. (And having some GREAT questions)
Here’s the kicker: “Happiness is the single greatest competitive advantage,” according to Shawn Achor.
The numbers don’t lie – happy employees have 31% higher productivity, 37% higher sales, and are 3 times more creative. When leaders appreciate workers, magic happens!
Positive Leadership isn’t some fluffy concept – it’s about taking an asset-based, strengths-focused approach. When leaders praise strengths, performance increases 36.4%; when they emphasize weaknesses, it plummets 26.8%. Yikes!
Human systems grow in the direction of the things we talk about. Positive Leaders deliver 5 times more praise than criticism while framing language positively. They foster hope, optimism, compassion, and safe environments for creativity by honoring dignity and giving people pride of ownership.
I want to imagine the impossible for you – people going home at night with enough energy and enthusiasm for their “rest of life,” returning the next day reenergized and grateful.
The tools exist for creating happier, more innovative, and exponentially more productive workplaces!
Want to create some magic of your own? Visit www.WorkHappyPlace.com for my “12 Ways to Make Your Workplace a Happy Place.” The first 10 people who claim it get a 30-minute “Happiness Assessment” with me and that report!
Remember: You have the opportunity to turn moments of truth into moments of magic – hundreds of times a day! Is that unreasonable? Hell yeah! Is it doable? Absolutely!
Have a magical day!
JoAnna
