The Optimistic Workplace: Creating an Environment That Energizes Everyone

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.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: The Future of the Workplace
CHAPTER 2: Destructive Management
CHAPTER 3: The Power of Contagious Emotions
CHAPTER 4: The Downside of Optimism: Missteps and Excess
CHAPTER 5: Values-Based Leadership
CHAPTER 6: It All Starts with Purpose
CHAPTER 7: The Meaning Makers
CHAPTER 8: We Must Change the Way We Work
CHAPTER 9: Human-Centered Leadership
CHAPTER 10: Next Comes Trust: Creating Community
CHAPTER 11: The Cultivation of Optimism

APPENDIX 1: The Optimism Planner
APPENDIX 2: One-on-One Format