Happiness at the Work Place (vent/discussion)
Hello,
Today I was pulled to the side at the end of my shift and told that I wasn't happy at the workplace and that I'm bringing others down. I asked for an example of how I brought others down, he told me
"I'd ask 'How are you today.' and you'd respond 'Okay, fine or shrug it off.'"
He told me that I looked sad and I needed to be happy and upbeat. I proposed the idea that they're targeting people who are actually sad and that they're simply demanding a happy and upbeat experience from them without changing their situation at all.
I won't go and list all the issues at the workplace however, I do know what I do for others. I high five people constantly, I shake hands, I salute, and I check on people seeing if they're okay. If they tell me anything other than "I'm great, thanks for asking!" I usually follow up to see what's the matter and how can I help.
I get it though, the truth is usually somewhere in between. Perhaps I'm too visibly sad casually despite efforts to appease co-workers.
Sounds like a Smile is part of the uniform at that company. This could be the part of the companies culture Notorious Grey . Body language plays a major role in the manner others perceive you in the workplace. Practice smiling more in front of a mirror at home and put on a smile before you walk into work. Sometimes we have to train our bodies to react in a manner in which you may not be truly feeling.
That is a useless goal... to be happy.
Happiness is a result of being fulfilled and satisfied internally. It is NOT a goal.
Goals are the targets that we aim to reach that are measurable and tangible.. generally happiness will come naturally as we attain our goals.
So that whole methodology should be reworked and rethought as it is currently unattainable with the criteria as it is being defined.
Did that make sense?