We begin every year with new resolutions and a commitment to making positive changes in our life. A fresh start! Healthier habits! Better relationships! Then it's January 3...
Well for better relationships, we get to try again starting on February 14.
People who think that their private life and love life don't impact their professional lives are in denial.
One of the challenges that HR people and managers face when measuring productivity is something called "presenteeism." It's when someone goes to work but is out of it. That usually applies to someone who is suffering in silence from a non-treated medical condition, but it also gets a hit from stress at home.
When you've been up all night wondering if your marriage is OK or your children are OK, it impacts how you do your work. Having relationship problems keeps us in a stress response and irrational fears can sneak into how we perceive simple requests or exchanges at work.
So, let's treat Valentine's Day like a do-over for that New Year's resolution on improving our relationships. Let's look at five impactful habits that spill over into your professional life:
1. Bring passion into your life
Remember when you were first dating? The newness of the relationship and the planned flirtations energized and excited every part of your day. It's time to flirt with your wife or husband again. Like those silly "Good morning" Cialis commercials, it will put a spring in your step.
2. Reconnect regularly
Deciding that it's important enough to make a regular date night can actually improve your work life. This gives you an opportunity to solve problems when they're still small and to find reasons to laugh together.
This ain't rocket science. It's the magic of love.
3. Reset your brain
When we turn everything else off (yes, even your phone) and mindfully focus on the person that we love, we go back to work with a refreshed mind and soul.
4. Being goofy is great for decision making
When we are with someone that we value and trust, we let our guard down to be goofy, it increases our Oxytocin (the love hormone) which is great for decision-making. Happy people are more creative and make better decisions.
5. Being in love increases your desirability
When you go around feeling happy and open to others, it's infectious. People want to be around you. It's easier to influence others because happy people are perceived as more confident.
Let's face it, when it's time to be considered for a promotion, being rested, energized, passionate, confident, good at decisions and happy are great qualities in a person.
You don't believe me?
OK. Then think of the worst boss, colleague or employee you ever had, or think of someone you feel didn't live up to their full potential. Did he/she have any of these qualities? Now think of the best boss, colleague or employee you ever had or someone you consider very successful. What about them?
This ain't rocket science. It's the magic of love. (Imagine birds singing happily as you read that last line.)
No special someone right now?
Then look in the mirror and make that time with yourself. Turn off the phone, get quiet, admire yourself and get in touch with what's important. Be happy and fulfilled with your relationship with you and bring that to your professional life.
Happy Valentine's Day! And make it a whole year of love!
The most successful leaders are not infallible when faced with someone who "drives them crazy!" Monique Caissie's corporate keynote or training called "CAN'T WE JUST GET ALONG?: How To Go From Conflict To Collaboration" is appreciated by all who would like more control over their professional and personal lives. Monique draws from 30 years of crisis intervention work to help others increase their confidence to feel more heard, respected and happier. Check out her website for free resources.
Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook
Also on HuffPost:
