Are you that kind of boss who comes to work with a smile on face? As you make your way to your office, you give each employee a wave and a cheerful greeting.
Well, here is a research that will make you think twice before you are viewed as a very happy person.
Research from the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania found that compared to moderately happy people, very happy people are viewed as more naïve.
However you do not have to right away cut on your happiness to be taken seriously as a leader.
Here are a few tips that will help you keep a managed personality.
* A 2016 study from the Journal of Organizational Behavior examined how age impacted employees’ opinions of leaders’ effectiveness. It found that age is a status cue for authority, so employees automatically view younger leaders as less powerful than older leaders. When you mix youth and happiness, it can be incredibly difficult to convince employees to take you seriously as a leader.
Even if you are a strong leader, being happy means you’ll be perceived as someone who can be walked all over. This was further supported by a 2016 study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology, which looked at the implications of emotions expressed by leaders.
The research compared the effectiveness of leaders who were perceived as angry versus those who showed more vulnerable emotions, such as sadness. Understandably, heated leaders were viewed as more assertive and legitimate leaders. This gave them a greater air of authority and a leadership style defined by punishment and reward. In short, employees saw these leaders as less of a pushover.
These are the major drawbacks of happiness.
* On the other hand the advantage of happiness is that it will earn you the trust of your employees.
Research from Skyline Group International, Inc., found that employees prefer leaders who express an appropriate amount of emotions over those who are stoic.
Stoic leaders are viewed as being less open and understanding to the feelings of their team, which make them seem less approachable. Although detached leaders are perceived as more authoritative, there is an inherent distance between them and their employees. And that makes it difficult for trust to form between leaders and the workforce.
Rather than leading with an iron fist, these leaders have more effective and influential relationships with their employees. They gain their clout by being able to relate and empathize with their team.
* Using your natural impulses to your advantage, while being aware of your weakness is the best way to balance your leadership style based on happiness.
For instance, being a happy leader who notices and values the feelings of your team creates an opportunity to inspire employees. When you are excited about the success of your company, share your joy while tying the accomplishment back to the hardwork of your employees. That will let them see they are valued and your recognition is genuine.
On the other hand, be willing to take control and be authoritative when necessary. Embrace accountability, so if an employee fails to pull their own weight, they’ll have to take responsibility for their shortcomings. If you let subpar performance slide, it’ll be a sign that there are no consequences for laziness.
Being a great leader requires a personal awareness that allows you to play to your strengths while improving your weaknesses.
Courtesy: www.success.com
