The Optimistic Workplace: Creating an Environment That Energizes Everyone

by Shawn Murphy

When it comes to work these days, we’re expected to do more with less—but is this nose-to-the-grindstone philosophy the best way to run a business? Alarmingly low employee engagement numbers indicate otherwise.

So, if pushing everyone harder isn’t the path to productivity, what is? Supported by the latest research, this eye-opening book argues that our best work is the product of a positive environment. That’s good news for you as a manager. While you can’t personally transform the corporate culture, you can influence the workplace climate and create meaningful and lasting change. Advocating a steward model of management, The Optimistic Workplace reveals how to:

• Explore personal and organizational purpose—and align them for astonishing results
• Overcome resistance and skepticism
• Build camaraderie and deepen loyalty
• Increase intrinsic motivation
• Help your team find meaning in their work
• Identify goals collaboratively and track progress
• And more

Examples from companies large and small demonstrate how this people-centric focus ignites employee potential, increases innovation, and catapults the organization to new levels of performance. Far from being a wish-upon-a-star discussion of workplace happiness, this book presents an array of surprisingly simple strategies as well as practical 30-, 60-, and 90-day plans designed to focus your actions and make employee optimism not just a worthy goal—but a real and measurable result.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Management

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2015

About the author

Shawn Murphy is a thought leader and practitioner recognized by Huffington Post and Inc. for his contributions to creating optimistic work environments and the type of leadership needed for them.

He is the CEO and co-founder of Switch & Shift, an organization dedicated to the advancement of organizational practices for the human-side of business.

http://switchandshift.com

Reviews

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Optimistic Workplace is a complex but useful manual on how to shift the environment at work. Shawn Murphy talks about all aspects of business from the individual to management to all the levels in-between. There weren't many surprises in these pages, but the advice was solid.

I knew that leadership was important to the overall vibe in the work space and Murphy does say that it's important: "...your leadership style impacts climate by up to 70 percent. Think about that 70 percent. It's mostly how you show up and interact with others that shapes the climate that influences your team's performance." pg 9 But, it isn't the only thing that matters.

There are also ways in which the individual can change the work space. It all starts with greater self knowledge: "Workplace optimism thrives when people understand why they show up to work. Not only is the purpose and meaning of work important, but so, too, are the personal implications. ... Personal expression through work is a major contributor to your employees' well-being. Doing work that matters facilitates the expression of one's talents." pg 19 Makes sense. Know thyself does seem to be the foundation of most major life-changing movements.

"..the benefit to positively shaping the climate for your team is getting to know yourself better and discovering how to fulfill your own potential. You position yourself to love your work. In doing so, you set the tone and lead the way to help your employees realize their own potential and find greater meaning in their work and life." pg 48 Sort of a trickle-down effect of optimistic workplace awesomeness.

Of all of the myriad of studies included in this book, my favorite was the study of "ikigai" : "Your health is linked to a sense of purpose in life, or, as the Japanese all it, ikigai. ... A 2008 study in Japan by Toshimasa Sone and his colleagues sought to understand how, if at all, ikigai contributed to longevity in life. ... Mortality risks were higher in those who did not have a sense of being and of joy. Those lacking clarity in intentional living had a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening illnesses." pg 89 Purpose or death.

The only critical thing I have to say about The Optimistic Workplace is that it's so broad. Towards the end, I despaired of ever having the time to implement all of the changes suggested, even though they seem like good ones. My boss suggested that I take my favorites and start there. I think I will.

Recommended for those who have plenty of time for reflection and transformative meetings- I think that this book has huge potential. I just wonder how many businesses would be able to take the time and actually work their way through it. Some further reading: Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace, The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work, and Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead.

[Kevin Eikenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in awhile, I recommend a book here before I finish reading it.

This is one of those books.

Yes, I agree with the premise, and yes, I am far above the midpoint on the optimism/pessimism line.

But that doesn’t change the value or message of the book.

And I’ve read enough to comfortably say this book doesn’t just state an opinion, but provides facts and research to back it up. It is a pleasure to read and provides a wealth of examples and case studies too.

Many people and companies are talking about how to engage their workplace, and many leaders I talk to ask me about changing negative people’s behavior. But this book hooks those things together. As the subtitle says, we all want a work environment where people feel energized.

The book states a case, debunks the myths, and yes, talks about the dangers of excess in relationship to optimism. Then it lays out a set of steps that any of us can follow to create a more energized, optimistic workplace.

If you want your team to be more engaged, if you want higher levels of retention and productivity, and if you want to attract more of the right people to your organization, you will find great value in this practical book.

If you want to consider the role you play in this optimistic workplace, this book will help you think that through.

I’ve not finished this brand new book, but I know I will. And I am optimistic, no confident, that it will have a positive impact on our team and our results.

- See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/leade...

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book that could have been a blog post. Very repetitive but it was…fine

[Danielle Janzen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite - there were too many lists to keep track of and ultimately it made it unmemorable as a business book.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good - but I didn't enjoy it as much as Coyle's The Culture Code.

[Gaylin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few great tips that I am already applying at work. I'd have given this book a 3,5 if that rating had been available. :)

[Jeremiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty broad but a good resource for anyone who is already willing to seek out positive change, mostly those already in leadership roles.

[Gemma Fabregat · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is packed with research and gives some good guidance around engagement and work culture. A couple of good tips that we can apply. The rest of it should have been an email.

[Fred Leland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A positive environment inspire teamwork and individual initiative. Combined teamwork and initiative is what drive creativity and innovation. Positive work environments develop that all important mutual trust that micro management can never deliver at least not for the long term. How to create the right positive Enviromental in your organization is what this book is about. It's well worth your time to read this book if developing positive work culture is your goal.

[Tina Panik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful toolkit for any manager. With a mix of philosophy, exercises, and bulleted tips, this volume can be consulted again and again as it is used in the workplace. Murphy also addresses the harm that too much optimism can create.

[Dmytro · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reveals very obvious information.
Basic concept of the book is: everyone does better work when they're happy so it is the leadership team's job to create an environment where people are happy.
Of course, every company strives for this. However there are many constraints to achieving this.

[Jayne Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book shows how to develop cooperation and trust among employers and employees. An especially important part discusses the consequences of ignoring the work of employees by employers. People need to be positively recognized for what they do.

[Rache · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any organization that talks about engagement must read this book.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide for relationship-cultivating, team-building and improved support at work. Most of the insights and advice are fairly common-sense, but serve as valuable reminders nonetheless.