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Enjoying Management
FEBRUARY 1989, VOL. 49, NO 2
AORN J O U R N A L
Enjoying Management THEPOSITIVE BENEFITSOF LIKINGTHE JOB Ruth E. Davidhizar, RN
S
ome managers face their daily work without a sense of humor. For such managers,joking may not seem appropriate at work because “work is work.” Other managers intersperse lighthearted comments in otherwise gloomy situations or do things just for fun. These managers seem to genuinely enjoy their work. This article suggests that managers should enjoy their role, and it examines the benefits of using humor as a managerial technique.
Having Fun at Work
W
hen people enjoy their work, it shows in their behaviors. Although behaviors vary with the manager’s personality and the situation he or she is facing, the manager who enjoys his or her work usually has a sense of humor, an optimistic attitude, and an appreciation for ordinary events. In addition, the manager has a number of motivational mottoes. Sense of humor. Managers who genuinely enjoy their work will appreciate humor. Humor includes wit, laughter, jokes, teasing, clowning, and satire.’ A sense of humor allows one to maintain a balanced view of life and to recognize the comedy in managerial dilemmas. Managers with a sense of humor do not take themselves or their positions too seriously. Managers can use humor to reduce tension, build relationships, make others comfortable, and promote problem solving and learning opportunities. In short, a sense of humor can help one survive in management. Optimistic attitude. An attitude of “everything 576
works out for the best” helps managers and their employees to rebound quickly from disappointments by formulating workable plans of action. Pessimists react to difficulties by assuming that they cannot change their circumstances; they can deteriorate staff morale by ruminating on the situation. Pessimists waste time in self-pity. Instead of doing something to solve the problem, they talk about how bad the situation is. Optimistic managers generally keep their emotions under control and communicate pleasure and enjoyment in their work. They do not appear helpless, surprised, or emotionally shaken when a crisis occurs. Employees draw strength from
Ruth E. Davidhizar, RN,DNSc, k the director of nursing at Logansport ( I d ) State HospitaL She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Goshen (Ind) College, and both her master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing science degrees in psychiatric nursing from Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis.
FEBRUARY 1989, VOL. 49. NO 2
AORN JOURNAL
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managers who consistently find solutions to bad situations. Optimistic managers facilitate creativity and positive change; they do not permit negative influences to dominate them or their employees. Appreciation f o r ordinary events. A manager who appreciates the ordinary and is able to find humor in the mundane often enjoys his or her work. By finding something comical in what appears to be a ridiculous situation, the manager fosters a spirit of camaraderie and helps others find some fun in their jobs. Sometimes laughing at life’s contradictions helps to put them in perspective. Motivational mottoes. A manager can let employees know that he or she enjoys working with them by occasionally using motivational mottoes. The motto, “Luck is sometimes helpful, working is always helpful,” may motivate employees to help each other accomplish the task at hand. Other examples of mottoes to enhance teamwork are, “We must hang together or we will hang separately” or “The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer.”
Benefits
Hs.
aving fun in life is an integral part of health. Tim Porter-O’Grady, RN, suggests that humor and the ability to laugh are essential for getting through life and for dealing with the nurse manager role.* The manager who has a sense of humor and enjoys work can benefit personally and interpersonally. The manager’s attitude of enjoyment also can have a positive impact on the work environment. Humor is therapeutic because it provides plea~ure.~ Norman Cousins believes that fun and humor are important for a sense of well-being and for good health.4 He states that humor tends to block feelings of apprehension and frees the body of negative emotions that impair the physical healing process. One theorist proposes that humor can significantly help people deal with stress by producing a cognitive shift in perspective that allows them to place distance between themselves and the threat, thus reducing feelings of anxiety.5 Another research study indicates that people who
appreciate humor deal with stress better than those who do not appreciate humor.6 Another study on humor and its relation to stress found that using humor produced a moderating effect on a person’s reaction to stress.7 Personal benefits. The manager who feels free to enjoy situations at work will experience greater personal freedom. He or she will not believe it is necessary to change personalities to go to work, and therefore, personal and professional dimensions of his or her life will meld. An attitude of enjoying life can facilitate survival in the management arena by enhancing one’s wellbeing, promoting physical health, and decreasing stress. Managers who share laughter by telling humorous thoughts and observations will enjoy the pleasure of creating happiness in others. The manager who can use humor to provide relief in the middle of a stressful situation is often admired by others. Interpersonal benefits. Managers who enjoy their work are usually well liked and often have the support of both subordinates and colleagues. These managers are more likely to be emulated. As a result, they can increase the self-esteem of employees and provide an effective role model for them. And the staff members who model the positive behavior and attitudes of such a supervisor also may benefit. When situations look bleak, as they frequently do in health care agencies, the manager’s positive attitude and behavior can have the positive interpersonal benefit of instilling hope.8 Work environment benefits. A positive attitude and enjoyment of one’s managerial position can be a powerful factor in increasing the job satisfaction, productivity, and creativity of those who work for you. An environment perceived as fun also seems to be related to decreased absenteeism. Some managers believe that having fun at work will decrease productivity. Actually the opposite is true. A serious and sometimes tough managerial manner often comes across as negative, and this can have a detrimental effect on morale and, consequently, productivity. On the other hand, a manager who enjoys his or her work has a positive effect on job satisfaction 511
AORN J O U R N A L
and morale. When work is viewed as fun, employees are more likely to invest themselves personally and to extend their performance beyond the requirements of the job. In addition, an attitude of enjoyment can reduce stress and tension and can help solve problems. Although a totally laid-back attitude may not be conducive to problem solving, a relaxed attitude can facilitate the exchange of ideas between groups or individuals. The manager’s attitude that work is fun and enjoyable also can increase creativity. Employees are more apt to come up with novel approaches to solve problems if they know their suggestions will fall on optimistic rather than pessimistic ears. One study found a pervasive attitude of excitement, enthusiasm, and exuberance about work in the country’s best-managed organizations? In those organizations, managers tried to make work fun for both employees and themselves. When employees enjoy laughter, humor, and playfulness, there is greater enthusiasm for the tasks at hand.
Potential Problems
A
lthough an attitude of enjoying work can be tremendously beneficial for a manager, there are times when laughter or humor are not appropriate. A manager with a lighthearted manner can be interpreted as insincere, superficial,or trite. Some work-oriented colleagues may be distracted by superficial comments. In other situations, light-hearted comments may be interpreted as negative or too personal. Above all, the manager must be serious about meeting the goals and objectives of the profession and organization. There is room in the management role, however, for the full range of human responses. Nurse managers must achieve a balance appropriate for both the situation and the people. It is important for the managers to only laugh with others and never at them. When working with serious colleagues, a more serious approach is needed. Finally, an ongoing assessment of how the manager’s behavior affects others is essential for optimal interpersonal relationships. 578
FEBRUARY 1989, VOL. 49, NO 2
Summaly
E
njoying one’s work is a state of mind that is integrated in the manager’s personality. Although some individuals are born with an optimistic perspective on life, others have to develop it. A manager can cultivate an appreciation for the ordinary and learn to use humor as a communication tool and coping technique. Cultivating this orientation cannot be limited to the work setting but must be developed in relation to life. Health care agencies are complex and turbulent organizations. Whether the nurse manager . is climbing the career ladder or just trying to be successful on the job, enjoying work can be a key ingredient to success. Nurse managers must both manage and lead. An attitude of enjoyment and pleasure at work is a trait that allows the manager to extend administration from managing to leading. 0 Notes 1. V M Robinson, “Humor in nursing,’’in Behavioral Concepts and Nursing Intervention, second ed, C E Carlson, B Blackwell, eds (Philadelphia:J B Lippincott Co, 1978). 2. T Porter-O’Grady, Creative Nursing Administration (Rockville, Md Aspen Systems Corp, 1986) 74 3. J Levine, “Humor as a form of therapy,” in It’s a Funny Thing Humor, ed A J Chapman, H C Foote (Oxford, England Pergamon Press, 1977). 4. N Cousins, The Healing Heart Antidotes to Panic andHelplessness (New York City: W W Norton, 1983). 5. N F Dixon, “Humor: A cognitive alternative to stress?“ in Stress and Anxiety, vol 7, I G Sarason, C D Spielberger, eds (Washington, DC: Hemisphere Publishing Co, 1985). 6. R Fay, “The defensive role of humor in the management of stress,” (PhD diss, United States International University, San Diego, 1983). 7. R A Martin, H M Lefcourt, “Sense of humor as a moderator of the relation between stressors and moods,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychologv 45 (December 1983) 1313-1324. 8. B M Henry, L E Moody, “Energizewith laughter,” Nursing Success Today 2 (January 1985) 5-8. 9. J T Peters, R H Waterman, In Search OfExcellence (New York City: Harper and Row Publishers, Inc, 1982).
AORN J O U R N A L
Enjoying Management THEPOSITIVE BENEFITSOF LIKINGTHE JOB Ruth E. Davidhizar, RN
S
ome managers face their daily work without a sense of humor. For such managers,joking may not seem appropriate at work because “work is work.” Other managers intersperse lighthearted comments in otherwise gloomy situations or do things just for fun. These managers seem to genuinely enjoy their work. This article suggests that managers should enjoy their role, and it examines the benefits of using humor as a managerial technique.
Having Fun at Work
W
hen people enjoy their work, it shows in their behaviors. Although behaviors vary with the manager’s personality and the situation he or she is facing, the manager who enjoys his or her work usually has a sense of humor, an optimistic attitude, and an appreciation for ordinary events. In addition, the manager has a number of motivational mottoes. Sense of humor. Managers who genuinely enjoy their work will appreciate humor. Humor includes wit, laughter, jokes, teasing, clowning, and satire.’ A sense of humor allows one to maintain a balanced view of life and to recognize the comedy in managerial dilemmas. Managers with a sense of humor do not take themselves or their positions too seriously. Managers can use humor to reduce tension, build relationships, make others comfortable, and promote problem solving and learning opportunities. In short, a sense of humor can help one survive in management. Optimistic attitude. An attitude of “everything 576
works out for the best” helps managers and their employees to rebound quickly from disappointments by formulating workable plans of action. Pessimists react to difficulties by assuming that they cannot change their circumstances; they can deteriorate staff morale by ruminating on the situation. Pessimists waste time in self-pity. Instead of doing something to solve the problem, they talk about how bad the situation is. Optimistic managers generally keep their emotions under control and communicate pleasure and enjoyment in their work. They do not appear helpless, surprised, or emotionally shaken when a crisis occurs. Employees draw strength from
Ruth E. Davidhizar, RN,DNSc, k the director of nursing at Logansport ( I d ) State HospitaL She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Goshen (Ind) College, and both her master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing science degrees in psychiatric nursing from Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis.
FEBRUARY 1989, VOL. 49. NO 2
AORN JOURNAL
-.
managers who consistently find solutions to bad situations. Optimistic managers facilitate creativity and positive change; they do not permit negative influences to dominate them or their employees. Appreciation f o r ordinary events. A manager who appreciates the ordinary and is able to find humor in the mundane often enjoys his or her work. By finding something comical in what appears to be a ridiculous situation, the manager fosters a spirit of camaraderie and helps others find some fun in their jobs. Sometimes laughing at life’s contradictions helps to put them in perspective. Motivational mottoes. A manager can let employees know that he or she enjoys working with them by occasionally using motivational mottoes. The motto, “Luck is sometimes helpful, working is always helpful,” may motivate employees to help each other accomplish the task at hand. Other examples of mottoes to enhance teamwork are, “We must hang together or we will hang separately” or “The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer.”
Benefits
Hs.
aving fun in life is an integral part of health. Tim Porter-O’Grady, RN, suggests that humor and the ability to laugh are essential for getting through life and for dealing with the nurse manager role.* The manager who has a sense of humor and enjoys work can benefit personally and interpersonally. The manager’s attitude of enjoyment also can have a positive impact on the work environment. Humor is therapeutic because it provides plea~ure.~ Norman Cousins believes that fun and humor are important for a sense of well-being and for good health.4 He states that humor tends to block feelings of apprehension and frees the body of negative emotions that impair the physical healing process. One theorist proposes that humor can significantly help people deal with stress by producing a cognitive shift in perspective that allows them to place distance between themselves and the threat, thus reducing feelings of anxiety.5 Another research study indicates that people who
appreciate humor deal with stress better than those who do not appreciate humor.6 Another study on humor and its relation to stress found that using humor produced a moderating effect on a person’s reaction to stress.7 Personal benefits. The manager who feels free to enjoy situations at work will experience greater personal freedom. He or she will not believe it is necessary to change personalities to go to work, and therefore, personal and professional dimensions of his or her life will meld. An attitude of enjoying life can facilitate survival in the management arena by enhancing one’s wellbeing, promoting physical health, and decreasing stress. Managers who share laughter by telling humorous thoughts and observations will enjoy the pleasure of creating happiness in others. The manager who can use humor to provide relief in the middle of a stressful situation is often admired by others. Interpersonal benefits. Managers who enjoy their work are usually well liked and often have the support of both subordinates and colleagues. These managers are more likely to be emulated. As a result, they can increase the self-esteem of employees and provide an effective role model for them. And the staff members who model the positive behavior and attitudes of such a supervisor also may benefit. When situations look bleak, as they frequently do in health care agencies, the manager’s positive attitude and behavior can have the positive interpersonal benefit of instilling hope.8 Work environment benefits. A positive attitude and enjoyment of one’s managerial position can be a powerful factor in increasing the job satisfaction, productivity, and creativity of those who work for you. An environment perceived as fun also seems to be related to decreased absenteeism. Some managers believe that having fun at work will decrease productivity. Actually the opposite is true. A serious and sometimes tough managerial manner often comes across as negative, and this can have a detrimental effect on morale and, consequently, productivity. On the other hand, a manager who enjoys his or her work has a positive effect on job satisfaction 511
AORN J O U R N A L
and morale. When work is viewed as fun, employees are more likely to invest themselves personally and to extend their performance beyond the requirements of the job. In addition, an attitude of enjoyment can reduce stress and tension and can help solve problems. Although a totally laid-back attitude may not be conducive to problem solving, a relaxed attitude can facilitate the exchange of ideas between groups or individuals. The manager’s attitude that work is fun and enjoyable also can increase creativity. Employees are more apt to come up with novel approaches to solve problems if they know their suggestions will fall on optimistic rather than pessimistic ears. One study found a pervasive attitude of excitement, enthusiasm, and exuberance about work in the country’s best-managed organizations? In those organizations, managers tried to make work fun for both employees and themselves. When employees enjoy laughter, humor, and playfulness, there is greater enthusiasm for the tasks at hand.
Potential Problems
A
lthough an attitude of enjoying work can be tremendously beneficial for a manager, there are times when laughter or humor are not appropriate. A manager with a lighthearted manner can be interpreted as insincere, superficial,or trite. Some work-oriented colleagues may be distracted by superficial comments. In other situations, light-hearted comments may be interpreted as negative or too personal. Above all, the manager must be serious about meeting the goals and objectives of the profession and organization. There is room in the management role, however, for the full range of human responses. Nurse managers must achieve a balance appropriate for both the situation and the people. It is important for the managers to only laugh with others and never at them. When working with serious colleagues, a more serious approach is needed. Finally, an ongoing assessment of how the manager’s behavior affects others is essential for optimal interpersonal relationships. 578
FEBRUARY 1989, VOL. 49, NO 2
Summaly
E
njoying one’s work is a state of mind that is integrated in the manager’s personality. Although some individuals are born with an optimistic perspective on life, others have to develop it. A manager can cultivate an appreciation for the ordinary and learn to use humor as a communication tool and coping technique. Cultivating this orientation cannot be limited to the work setting but must be developed in relation to life. Health care agencies are complex and turbulent organizations. Whether the nurse manager . is climbing the career ladder or just trying to be successful on the job, enjoying work can be a key ingredient to success. Nurse managers must both manage and lead. An attitude of enjoyment and pleasure at work is a trait that allows the manager to extend administration from managing to leading. 0 Notes 1. V M Robinson, “Humor in nursing,’’in Behavioral Concepts and Nursing Intervention, second ed, C E Carlson, B Blackwell, eds (Philadelphia:J B Lippincott Co, 1978). 2. T Porter-O’Grady, Creative Nursing Administration (Rockville, Md Aspen Systems Corp, 1986) 74 3. J Levine, “Humor as a form of therapy,” in It’s a Funny Thing Humor, ed A J Chapman, H C Foote (Oxford, England Pergamon Press, 1977). 4. N Cousins, The Healing Heart Antidotes to Panic andHelplessness (New York City: W W Norton, 1983). 5. N F Dixon, “Humor: A cognitive alternative to stress?“ in Stress and Anxiety, vol 7, I G Sarason, C D Spielberger, eds (Washington, DC: Hemisphere Publishing Co, 1985). 6. R Fay, “The defensive role of humor in the management of stress,” (PhD diss, United States International University, San Diego, 1983). 7. R A Martin, H M Lefcourt, “Sense of humor as a moderator of the relation between stressors and moods,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychologv 45 (December 1983) 1313-1324. 8. B M Henry, L E Moody, “Energizewith laughter,” Nursing Success Today 2 (January 1985) 5-8. 9. J T Peters, R H Waterman, In Search OfExcellence (New York City: Harper and Row Publishers, Inc, 1982).