Here’s How Managers Can Rediscover Their Joy at Work
Oct 15, 2024
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Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a workplace strategist and author, shares valuable insights on rekindling joy for managers feeling overwhelmed. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's sense of purpose and adopting a beginner's mindset. Auger-Domínguez discusses practical techniques like maintaining a folder of positive feedback and celebrating team contributions. The conversation highlights how empathetic leadership can significantly enhance employee morale, fostering a supportive work environment filled with gratitude and positivity.
Managers can rediscover joy at work by identifying their personal purpose and connecting deeply with their teams to enhance inspiration.
Incorporating practices like celebrating team contributions and adopting a beginner’s mindset can foster a more inclusive and resilient workplace.
Deep dives
Understanding Joy in Management
Joy in management transcends mere daily happiness; it embodies a profound sense of satisfaction derived from meaningful interactions and fostering an inclusive work environment. This sense of joy is linked to purpose and well-being, as managers who feel connected to their work and teams are more likely to inspire their staff. The podcast highlights a concerning statistic from the Gallup employee engagement survey, revealing that only about a third of employees in the U.S. feel engaged in their roles, which can often mirror the sentiments of the managers themselves. Managers experiencing low engagement may struggle with unclear expectations and a lack of recognition, leading to frustration that can adversely affect team dynamics.
The Impact of Burnout and Lack of Support
Burnout among managers often manifests in various negative behaviors, such as increased frustration and a diminished capacity for creativity and decision-making. Middle managers, in particular, feel the weight of both top-down pressures and demands from their teams while often lacking adequate support from peers. This dual pressure can contribute to feelings of cynicism and a chronic sense of being overwhelmed, ultimately trickling down to their teams and worsening overall morale. Recognizing these patterns is critical, as the energy of a worn-down manager can significantly diminish the motivation and effectiveness of their team.
Cultivating a Joyful Work Environment
To reignite joy within management, practices such as finding one's 'why' and adopting a beginner's mindset are essential. Identifying personal purpose, or ikigai, serves as a foundation for managers to connect with what truly inspires them, amplifying their impact on those they lead. Additionally, fostering curiosity and encouraging open-mindedness can help transform the approach to challenges, allowing teams to explore new possibilities rather than defaulting to frustration. Creating systems of gratitude, such as sharing positive feedback or celebrating small victories, enhances team cohesion and contributes to a workplace that is more resilient and engaged.
Managing is a tough job, sometimes a seemingly thankless one where you can feel squeezed from all sides. But for team leaders who are feeling burnt out or overwhelmed with their job, Daisy Auger-Domínguez has advice on regaining your joy at work. She recommends various techniques to incorporate optimism and well-being into your management role. They include remembering your purpose, embracing a beginner’s mindset, keeping a folder of positive feedback as inspiration, and celebrating the contributions of team members. Auger-Domínguez is a workplace strategist and the author of the HBR article "Finding Joy as a Manager — Even on Bad Days."
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