An excuse for procurement to squeeze
Managers might need to brace themselves tomorrow, as it has been selected as national ‘hug your boss’ day.
This is the day’s third anniversary, in case it passed you by in previous years, and the “goal” is to drum up a bit of publicity for a particular jobs website, I mean, of course, it’s to promote positive workplace relationships.
The accompanying survey claims “only” 37 per cent of staff would be happy to hug their boss in the office – to be honest, I’m surprised it is even that high. This rises to 42 per cent who would be willing to outside the office, perhaps indicating some unrequited office romances.
A bottle of champagne is even being offered for a picture of the most ‘genuine’ hug between boss and employee. Spot the glint of craziness in the eyes of some of those who have already submitted their entries.
Putting cynicism aside for a moment, the site does have some practical advice for both bosses and employees. There is a 10-question test for staff to measure their relationship.
1. Does your boss trust you?
2. Do you trust your boss?
3. Do you share personal stories and weekend activities?
4. Do you work well with your boss? Are you productive?
5. Do you know where you stand with your boss?
6. Do you work towards the same goals?
7. Do you socialise together?
8. Can you speak to your boss openly about problems you have at work?
9. Can you tell your boss a joke or funny story?
10. Do you feel like you are both on the same side?
And there is guidance on motivation, acceptable behaviour and staff retention for managers, and tips on how to get along together, impress and even how to make your boss laugh.
If an embrace is a step too far for you, perhaps best to start with these.
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At the end of the day, we’re all humans, with human faults, whether we are subordinates or bosses. Almost every boss has a boss as well, so taken to the extreme, we’d all be engaging in some kind of ‘false’ body language. The best bosses I have worked for have always been those that are approachable, and act most humanely, though obviously your personality type must be one that still maintains respect.
In large organizations, hardly can there be genuine boss-staff relationship. Agree or not?
Is this where the “David Brent” character came from?
I’m glad my boss is on leave this week – what a relief.
The best type of boss is one who’s only there when you need them.
I scored 9 out of 10 for the above points. My boss and I have a great working relationship. There is NO WAY I would hug him! Thats just plain weird.
I agree with Andy it is very much down to personality type. I’m a hugger but on first meeting will get a sense if it’s not your sort of thing. I will always ask permission to hug even those I think may be open to it. I often get thanked for asking, some do say no but many embrace it with gusto as if they’ve been given permission themselves to connect.
Virginia Satir – family therapist – said we need hugs: 4 a day to survive, 8 a day for maintenance and if we’re wanting growth and development we need 12 a day. I’d prefer not to know if that expired at the age of 7 and still aim for my #12aday.
Another valuable insight on large organizations by Felix. Agree or not?