Ever wonder what it would be like to work at Google? When the movie, The Internship, came out I was quite jealous that people could work in cultures as entertaining as what Google’s looked like. That is, until I came to Baudville! We may not have those impressive nap pods, but we do have a ping pong table and welcoming people! There is a positive culture here, and it’s become that way because of the people who work here. So how can you spread positive mojo in your office? Enjoy 13 quick and easy ways to take your mediocre office culture and turn it into a positive place to be!
- Start the day right! Take the time to say good morning to your co-workers. Around here if you don’t say good morning or hello to anyone you see, they instantly think something is wrong. A simple “hi!” can turn someone’s day right around!
- Focus forward. Don’t go back and get hung up on something that already happened, focus forward and be encouraging. Try things like “Next time, we will get right!” Instead of “Don’t you know you shouldn’t have...!” use, “For future reference…”
- Give advance warning when time is short. We are all busy people, and have our own agendas. Be polite, and let your co-worker know “I’m sorry, I have to run into a meeting in five minutes. Let’s touch base as soon as I am finished.” Just make sure to follow up with them—stay true to your word.
- Listen without judgment. When people tell you their problems, don’t automatically offer advice. If they ask for advice, give it briefly. Let go of whether or not they act on your ideas.
- Focus on the problem, not the person. Be sure to not take things too personally, and focus on the problem. If there is a problem, politely address it, without making it uncomfortable for the other person, and anyone around them. “Let’s have coffee and figure out how to prevent this from happening again” rather than “We have a problem!”
- Accept all gifts. When a co-worker is being thoughtful, thank them, don’t offend them. If someone brings in cookies and offers you one, but you are on a diet, take it! Save it for later or share it.
- Just say “I.” Stay positive with statements like “I will think on that,” rather than “That won’t work.”
- Be a conversation facilitator. Ask questions instead of one-upping with your own story. Welcome newcomers to the conversation by summarizing what your original conversation partner was saying. Both she and the newcomer will feel more comfortable an valued.
- Let your co-worker know you heard him. Don’t jump to a new subject immediately. Be engaged with what they are telling you. Even if you have no interest in mountain biking, let them know “That’s great, you must have had a blast!”
- Show you care. Show up at events where co-workers are showcased. Ask about people your colleagues care about: someone who’s entering a new school, learning to drive, starting a new job, etc.
- Focus on one person 100%. Turn so that your shoulders are square with theirs, and make eye contact. Don’t look over your co-worker’s shoulders when they’re talking; it gives the impression you’re trying to find someone else you’d rather talk with.
- Admit you aren’t perfect. If you make a mistake, own it. Don’t blame someone else. Address it, apologize, and move forward.
- Make others feel important. When talking with someone, use their name. Ask about their current projects, listen without suggesting better ways to do it.
If you think you can’t master them all, start focusing on one a day. It’s the little things that will make a bigger difference in the end. Encourage your team to also focus on ways to improve the culture. After all, they want to enjoy coming to work every day, so make sure it’s an inviting and positive place to be.
Do you enjoy coming to work because of things your work does for its employees or because the overall culture makes it a great place to be? Share your positive culture success stories with us!
Jenny became a Baudvillian in 2013 and started out as a member of our sales team. She seemed to have a creative knack for Marketing and joined the team as Baudville's Web Marketing Coordinator. She loves our products and probably owns every piece of drinkware we have to offer! Equipped with great knowledge of our customers and products, she's excited to help make your email and web experience even better!