Chapter 7. Creating a Productive Working Climate

After you have finished reading this chapter, you should be able to list the steps you would follow to create and maintain a productive working climate.

As a supervisor, your attitude is always showing. All the employees in your department have a special kind of radar that permits them to read and evaluate your disposition each day. It gives them a chance to size up and adjust to your present temperament or mood. If you drag into the office with a grouchy, negative attitude, your employees will get the signal and back away from you, going about their jobs with little enthusiasm and avoiding contact with you. If, however, you walk in with a positive attitude, the opposite can happen. They may pick up your mood, show more enthusiasm, and look for chances to communicate with you.

When you are positive, it is easier for those who work for you to be positive; when you show a sense of humor, it is easier for those who work for you to laugh; when you show confidence, it is easier for others to have a productive day. Your behavior and attitude affect the departmental pace, mood, climate, and culture.