The Importance of Interpersonal Relationships

Daniel Goleman in his book, Social Intelligence, provides studies that support my beliefs that fun and laughter are important in the workplace. Working in an environment that allows for and encourages fun and laughter helps people feel secure. As Daniel Goleman notes in his book, "Secure bases are sources of protection, energy and comfort, allowing use to free our own energy. This is the conclusion of George Kohlrieser, a psychologist and professor of leadership at the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, who observes that having a secure base at work is crucial for high performance."

"Feeling secure, Kohlrieser argues, lets a person focus better on the work at hand, achieve goals, and see obstacles as challenges, not threats. Those who are anxious, in contrast, readily become preoccupied with the specter of failure, fearing that doing poorly will mean they will be rejected or abandoned (in this context, fired and so they play it safe."

"People who feel that their boss provides a secure base, Kohlrieser finds are more free to explore, be playful, take risks, innovate, and take on new challenges. Another business benefit: if leaders establish such trust and safety, then when they give tough feedback, the person receiving it not only stay more open but sees benefit in getting even hard-to-take information."

We effect each other more than we realize. My mood effects your mood and your mood effects my mood. As Daniel Goleman points out: "Even having just one person who can be counted on at work can make a telling difference in how we feel. In surveys of more than five million people working in close to five hundred organizations, one of the best predictors of how happy someone felt on their job was agreement with the statement. 'I have a best friend at work.'"

"As the head of a high-performing scientific team told me. 'I never hire anyone for my lab without them working with us provisionally for a while. Then I ask the other people in the lab their opinions, and I defer to them. If the interpersonal chemistry is not good, I don't want to risk hiring someone- no matter how good they may be otherwise."

Creating an environment in your home and at work of security, fun, and laughter is beneficial for everyone. We as human beings are much more connected than we ever thought before. When you say, "So and so much me sick." They probably do.

I highly recommend Daniel Coleman's book, Social Intelligence. It is a great read with very important information.

Jana Ruth
Author of Laugh and Live Happier: P.L.A.Y.S for Life
http://www.janaruth.biz/
http://www.laughandlivehappier.com/
http://www.laughingworld.blogstop.com/