365 Ways to Live Happy (20 page)

If your boss never notices you, buy her a cup of java and that might change. Or just do it as a spontaneous act of thoughtfulness. Consider what it might be like to do her job. It is unlikely that your boss was hired because of some kind of likeability quotient but rather because she had the right credentials, experience, and know-how to do whatever the job entailed. If you find your work at times challenging and stressful, imagine what your boss feels. Wouldn't you just love to have someone buy you a cup of coffee when you feel challenged, frustrated, glum, unfocused, behind schedule, or stressed? So buy that cup of coffee for your boss and put a smile on both of your faces.

It's often difficult to admit to your superiors that you made a mistake. However, doing so demonstrates your sense of responsibility and willingness to shoulder blame. Taking responsibility for a screwup by you or your team shows your managers and boss that you are a person with values and moral principles. Although a mistake has been made, you'll be better off admitting it and moving forward than deceiving, lying, or covering up the error, all of which can have disastrous consequences for you later when the truth is finally found out.

Bake some cookies in the office microwave or bring them from home. If someone in your office often scowls, chronically complains, or flies into a hissy fit with little or no provocation, offer him a plate of warm chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies. Even if they are refused, you can be assured that you at least tried to bring a little pleasure into that person's life. The gesture may work or it may not. Some people get so used to being unhappy and feeling like the whole world is against them that they are outside their comfort zone when someone does something unexpected and nice for them. The truth is that they are more likely than not hungry for friendship and attention.

Many working professionals feel that although meetings can be big time wasters, they are often necessary for the smooth functioning of their departments, businesses, or corporations. Leaders can use meetings to gather information and input from others, address a hot topic of concern to all gathered, or celebrate a milestone or a worker's accomplishments. A leader can also use a meeting to challenge, motivate, and inspire others. Whether you are the leader or an individual attending the meeting, take the time to prepare (if you are expected to provide input, ideas, or data) and always show up on time. Being on time and prepared demonstrates a high level of integrity and commitment. Be proud of yourself for making the effort.

Can you go through an entire day telling the truth and only the truth? Telling the truth, like thinking positive thoughts, is a skill that requires lots of practice. Many people tell little white lies, half-truths, or useful falsehoods to evade blame, deceive, deny reality, or to feel better about themselves. A little white lie, in some instances, might be motivated by a desire to prevent someone from being hurt. For example, you know that a coworker is about to be fired. When she asks you if you've heard anything about her possible termination, you tell her no. It takes more effort to think about how to answer her truthfully and still not hurt her feelings than to just lie. But if you live and work from a place of truth, others will trust your word and appreciate the honesty. In the long term, truth may be the most powerful tool you have in your career toolbox.

When you see a coworker's extraordinary effort to get a project completed or to do a particular task well, offer some heartfelt praise. A word or two of encouragement can mean a lot to that person. Plus, people tend to be more productive when they know that their efforts are appreciated. If you are a manager or leader and don't feel you are getting the best effort from your workers, think about what you can do to raise the morale and set the tone for a friendlier, supportive work environment. Make it a priority to appropriately praise and reward dedication and effort on the job.

A member of your team helped you meet a deadline, stood in for you in a meeting, or even took on a part of your workload, so take the time to write her a thank-you note. Keep the tone professional and adhere to good writing standards, avoiding slang and words whose meaning might be misconstrued. Don't send your thank-you note by e-mail. Although e-mails are appropriate for various types of office communication, a hand-written thank-you note is a personal expression of appreciation. By contrast, consider how a hastily written message of thanks, sent by e-mail, might be received. When you let workers know that you view them and their contributions as important to the team's success and take the time to write a thoughtful note, most likely you'll be rewarded with loyalty and assistance the next time you need it.

Time management experts say that a clean desk is important for several reasons. You work more efficiently when you know where documents and tools are at all times rather than having to search through piles of disorganized material on your desktop. A clean desk signals to clients and others that most likely you are an organized person with efficient and effective work habits, thus inspiring confidence. Don't wait to clean that desk off. Get yourself some garbage bags, several filing boxes, manila and hanging folders, labels, and an organizer for your to-do lists, addresses, and other data, and a calendar. Join the ranks of happily organized workers.

A load is lighter when several people help carry it. Teamwork may seem incompatible with competition, but when competition is friendly it can spur everyone on toward a mutual goal and make the load lighter for everyone. Helen Keller once noted that we can do little alone but together we can accomplish much. The key is to find ways to spur everyone to compete to the fullest, doing their best, and always insisting that winners and losers stick to the rules of good sportsmanship. Celebrate the effort of each individual worker attempting to exceed his best level of accomplishment rather than feeling joyful because of the outcome (someone wins or loses).