Common sense at work: Such qualities as loyalty, energy, intelligence and hard work are certain to be in any consensus of what it takes to build a successful career.
"However, there's another essential ingredient that is too often overlooked," says Ramon Greenwood, senior career counselor at www.CommonSenseAtWork.com> "That is having fun on the job."
In fact, most of us are downright ambivalent when it comes to the subject of fun on the job and taking leisure time away from work. It is easy to argue both sides of the issue.
You've heard the axiom, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Well, it is true.
A macho point of view has been the order of the day among some ambitious careerists. It expresses itself through a sort of masochistic drive to work more hours than the next fellow, never take a vacation and otherwise reject the idea that work can be fun.
Unfortunately, many companies pay only lip service to vacations and then impose a guilt trip on those who get away.
Jon Neulinger, author of The Psychology of Leisure states flatly, "Those not interested in doing anything but work are not likely to be CEOs."
He thinks most Americans do not spend enough time seeking leisure, which is more than just piddling away spare time.
Leisure Is A State Of Mind
True leisure, Neulinger says, is a state of mind. It comes about when a person engages in an activity that produces satisfaction, control and freedom. It is this state of mind that is so essential to the human psyche. It is what provides the regenerative, therapeutic quality of leisure.
Studies show that a sense of humor, in proper dosage, can boost creativity and productivity, as well as take the air out of tense situations.
According to Greenwood, it can help you land the job you want. One study revealed that 98 percent of over 700 chief executive officers interviewed preferred job candidates who have a sense of humor over those who don't.
A clinical psychiatrist at Stanford University has found that a good laugh raises the pulse and blood pressure and releases adrenaline into the system. The lungs expand and torso muscles expand and contract. After laughter, the blood pressure and heart rate return to normal. Laughter is said to be like jogging in place.
Leaders use humor to communicate goals and motivate their followers.
That's why the late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, the giant retailer, was willing to put on a hula skirt and dance down Wall Street when Wal-Mart employees met a challenge he had laid down.
It is not necessary to be another Johnny Carson to provoke a rejuvenating laugh or enjoy a joke. Lighten up. Be willing to laugh at yourself. See and tolerate absurdities on the job. They do exist and they are not necessarily the end of the world.
Tommy May, CEO of Simmons First National Bank, who is an arch conservative in business matters, put humor to work to motivate workers in a United Way campaign by letting his chief competitor throw a chocolate pie in his face when the May-led team came in second in raising money.
Use humor carefully. Don't overdo it. Don't violate the rules of your workplace. Don't laugh at people; laugh with them.
Heed the wisdom of Mark Twain: "?the law of work?the higher the pay in enjoyment the worker gets out of it, the higher shall be his pay in money also."
It all comes down to the advice from one sage observer who said, "Get happiness out of your work or you may never know what happiness is."
Ramon Greenwood is former senior vice president of American Express; a professional director for various businesses; a consultant; a published author of career related books and a syndicated column. Senior career counselor for http://www.CommonSenseAtWork.com
Are you desperately trying to find a telecommute job so... Read More
Are you harboring bitterness or anger towards your current or... Read More
In one of my past lives I held a Top... Read More
Despite how important fair pay is to most of us,... Read More
I spend a bit of time on airplanes. So, I... Read More
My starting point was how to draw on 25 years... Read More
Best Strategy using Internet Job Search EnginesThere are hundreds of... Read More
Chuck was the best of the twenty-four candidates. Still, he... Read More
There are many reasons why you could be in the... Read More
Effective follow-up after a job interview is often a key... Read More
Going for a job interview can be a harrowing experience.... Read More
There are many free job search resources available in any... Read More
For far too long, we moderns have relied on our... Read More
I coined this word to draw attention to the nervous... Read More
More and more people are looking to gain an edge... Read More
Despite what many people may say, a job search does... Read More
With the advent of the Internet, many of us have... Read More
The expense was substantial. An immersion workshop with twelve participants... Read More
How many times have you heard or read, "Our employees... Read More
Seeing your job as an honorable job, adds more meaning... Read More
buWhy are so many people unhappy in their work situation?... Read More
A recent story in Career Journal begins:"The "midlife crisis" has... Read More
When you're looking to get hired or get promoted, what... Read More
This career article will give you some great tips on... Read More
Of course interviews are mainly about you answering the questions... Read More
Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to... Read More
Today, it isn't that uncommon for some children and teenagers... Read More
How will you respond when you're asked the following two... Read More
The perfect resume presents hiring managers with a... Read More
In a day of background checks, pre-employment drug screening and... Read More
Why Do You Want This Job? Is it because any... Read More
Yes, it's still possible to be upwardly mobile in America:... Read More
Telecommuting Interview Tips- By Nell TaliercioYou've made it! Your cover... Read More
The perfect resume presents hiring managers with a... Read More
Chuck was the best of the twenty-four candidates. Still, he... Read More
Goal Setting & ResearchYou can only set informed career goals... Read More
Although interview preparation is everything it's sad to say that... Read More
Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More
I'll quickly cover the following:A) Why Network With People? B)... Read More
Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More
One of the trickier questions an interviewer might put to... Read More
Sometimes, when going on job interviews, you might end up... Read More
More and more people are calling it quits to successful... Read More
If published statistics are accurate, employment agencies and search firms... Read More
A problem most freelance translators are facing with is how... Read More
Successful career change is based on first making an honest... Read More
If you can hold on to an optimistic belief in... Read More
You are just about to leave university You are just... Read More
Today's employers scramble for creative ways to advise employees of... Read More
I coined this word to draw attention to the nervous... Read More
The best cover letters are 'one-page wonders.' Why? Because they... Read More
Is it opening doors to new opportunities? Does it compel... Read More
The Super Bowl is a game but, like sports in... Read More
Like all new innovations, technology in the work environment can... Read More
The day you begin to think of your job in... Read More
What is a Career Portfolio?The original portfolio used by artists... Read More
Here are two success stories from my readers who found... Read More
How would you like to get paid to go shopping?... Read More
During my job search I read dozens of books and... Read More
These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The... Read More
Finding freelance writing jobs require great skill, dedication and lots... Read More
In my last column, I explored Jim Collins' "hedgehog" principle,... Read More
Rick Jarow, author of Creating the Work You Love, introduced... Read More
TIP: Update your resume often. Be sure to add details... Read More
You're still reading?so I know my title grabbed your attention.Why?... Read More
As you take CDL practice test, you do become more... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |