How to make your workplace better
On this Labor Day…
I was asked at my recent book launch about making the workplace better. Someone who was stuck in a less-than-ideal job with colleagues who are less than inspired asked me what could be done to improve their situation.
“How can I make my job better on a daily basis?”
My response:
Make your colleagues’ lives better. Write letters.
At least half a dozen times last year, I wrote a letter describing a colleague’s job well done. I recognized a teacher’s efforts, acknowledged the work of a paraprofessional or custodian, or credited the work of support staff who had gone above and beyond to improve a child or staff member’s life.
Once written, I sent a copy to my principal, who then met with the colleague to present the letter. He also copied and added the letter to the colleague’s personnel file.
In some cases, when appropriate, I also sent a copy to an assistant superintendent or a superintendent.
I’ve been doing this for years. I can’t recommend this enough.
One of the best ways to improve a colleague’s life is to let that person know their efforts are recognized and appreciated. Words of encouragement are lovely, but writing a letter memorializes your recognition, which is essential. Our stupid, ancient, hunter-gatherer brains are designed to remember the negative far better than the positive, which means that compliments are often forgotten in the wake of criticism and negativity.
But creating a permanent, unassailable record of a person’s excellence can help a great deal on those days when the world seems dark and unforgiving.
By sending the letter to a supervisor, that recognition is extended to where it is often desired most and can have the greatest positive impact on a person’s career. Though most of us are thrilled when our colleagues appreciate our efforts, the person whose opinion often means the most, particularly regarding job security, salary, and promotions, is our boss.
It’s often best when our boss recognizes and appreciates our efforts.
Sadly, management often sucks in this regard. A little prodding can go a long way.
In my particular situation, I know that my principal will present these letters to my colleague at just the right moment, in just the right way, thus maximizing the effect of my recognition. Several years ago, when the principal of my school was a monster, I would send the letters directly to my colleague and the superintendent.
You decide how smart or stupid your supervisor is and act accordingly.
This recommendation will not necessarily make your work life any better in any immediate, direct way, but working alongside happier people can make your work life a lot better. There are many reasons a job can be less than ideal, but often, it has a lot to do with the people with whom we work.
If you work with friendly, happy, productive people, even the most unbearable job can be made palatable. Rather than looking to make your work day better, establish a virtuous cycle by finding ways to make your colleagues’ days better. Seek to lift them up whenever you can. If they are happy, you will inevitably find yourself in a happier workplace.
Also, earning their appreciation never hurts.
Compliments are kind. Letters are lasting.
Watch for a colleague who deserves some recognition for a job well done. Write a letter. Send it to their boss.
It’s simple, kind, permanent, and will bring joy to your workplace and, hopefully, to you.
