Lately, my most popular keynote speeches at conventions and training seminars at companies is entitled, “Creating a Happy, Optimistic & Productive Workplace.” That certainly is an extremely needed and important topic nowadays! In this article, I will give you some of the many tips and techniques I speak about in my speeches and seminars on this topic.
1ST TECHNIQUE = FASTEST, EASIEST & CHEAPEST METHOD TO HAVE HAPPY, OPTIMISTIC & PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYEES IS TO HIRE HAPPY, OPTIMISTIC & PRODUCTIVE PEOPLE
Yes! Isn’t that the truth? I call these fantastic employees “Superstars.” Superstars are both highly productive and low turnover. Research shows the most consistent and scientific way to hire Superstars is to use scientifically validated pre-employment tests that you custom-tailor and benchmark on your Superstars in each job in your company
Use two main types of tests:
Behavior or personality test
Mental abilities tests
Make sure the behavior or personality test you use has a “Lie” or “Honesty” scale that cannot be fooled by a sneaky applicant. Unfortunately, most personality tests have an “Honesty” scale that uses “Consistency Method” – which is horribly easy for applicants to figure out, lie on the test, and not get “caught” for lying. Instead, use a scientifically researched test that uses truisms to “catch” liars.
Create custom-tailored benchmark test scores by having your Superstars in each job take the tests. Your Superstars’ typical test scores become the benchmark scores for that job in your company.
Seriously consider applicants who get your Superstars’ benchmark test scores. But, if an applicant’s scores differs from your benchmark scores, do not waste any more time on that applicant. Instead, find applicants to consider who get the same test scores as your company’s Superstars.
Testing research I have done with hundreds of companies reveal that for most jobs, happy, optimistic and productive employees get high personality test scores on
> Optimism
> Objective Reaction to Pressure
> Teamwork
> Motivations – relevant to employee’s specific jobs
Examples of Motivations relevant to employee’s job: Superstar . . .
+ Sales Reps – score high on both (a) Money Motivation & (b) Power Motivation
+ Technicians – score high on Knowledge Motivation
Remember = Nothing helps you hire Superstars more than scientifically “cloning” (metaphorically!) your Superstar employees in each job in your company. Custom-tailored pre-employment test benchmarks help you scientifically spot applicants who are somewhat like “clones” of your best or Superstar employees.
2nd TECHNIQUE = IN YOUR WORKPLACE, ONLY ALLOW OPTIMISM + NEVER ALLOW PESSIMISM.
Specifically, in your workplace
* only allow Optimism – focusing on solutions, not problems
* do not allow Pessimism – focusing on problems, not solutions
When I was a corporate manager in two big companies, I directly told my employees they could not complain or exhibit pessimism. I insisted they focus on solutions and making things better – and did not allow them to whine, moan, and complain.
3RD TECHNIQUE = BE AN EXCELLENT ROLE MODEL OF OPTIMISM
How you can be an excellent Role Model: Make sure employees always see you focusing on
solutions, not problems – like an optimist and making everything better, better, and better
4TH TECHNIQUE = GIVE “GRACE” TO YOUR EMPLOYEES
Employees love when you give them “Grace.” I define Grace as giving people 4 actions:
+ Kindness
+ Caring
+ Helpfulness
+ Encouragement
When you give Grace to people, they (a) cherish you plus (b) want to help you succeed – so you will give them even more Grace. You would be amazed at how many people seldom receive doses of kindness, caring, helpfulness, and encouragement. So, you oozing and giving Grace feels ultra-special to your employees.
5TH TECHNIQUE = FREQUENTLY SAY, “PLEASE” & “THANK YOU”
“Please” and “Thank You” demonstrate respect and appreciation. It is horrible how often employees
* are told to do something – without “Please” in the assignment
* do their work – without hearing “Thank You”
Of course, employees are paid to work. They also are humans with feelings and emotional reactions to how you talk to them.
Humans feel bossed around and unappreciated when they work hard but do not hear their boss or co-workers say, “Please” and “Thank You.” Those little words mean A LOT – and set the tone for increasing productivity.
SUMMARY – TO CREATE A HAPPY, OPTIMISTIC & PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACE
During my speeches and training seminars on this topic, I always have audience members do exercises to practice these crucial skills.
You can start creating an upbeat, productive workplace by
> scientifically hiring optimistic and productive employees – using custom-tailored, benchmarked pre-employment tests
> display optimism
> insist your employees use optimism and not pessimism
> be optimistic Role Model
> give Grace = kindness, caring, helpfulness, and encouragement
> often say “Please” and “Thank You”
When you do these actions, your employees will cherish you + you create a wonderful workplace + your workplace’s productivity will skyrocket!!
Copyright 2022 Michael Mercer, Ph.D., www.MercerSystems.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Mercer, Ph.D., is a business psychologist, book author + speaker. His 6 books include “Hire the Best & Avoid the Rest™.” Dr. Mercer custom-tailors his 3 pre-employment tests for each job in each company – so the company has a consistent + scientific method to hire “Superstars.” For more information, go to www.MercerSystems.com or call Dr. Mercer at (847) 521-2554.
