EPISODE 39 (50) ARRIVAL ARTIST - how you turn up makes a more significant difference than you might think

Your mood on arrival, says Andrew, can have a significant effect on your own and other people’s performance that day.

He gives an example of a managing director who realised that he needed to improve his relations with his work colleagues. Yet he struggled to find a way that worked for him, as well as for them. 

When he arrived each day at his office, he walked straight past open doors where people were working. Head down, looking neither left nor right and with head down Jason strode without stopping towards his room at the end of the corridor.

 Hearing this uncomfortable feedback was a shock.  It never occurred to him that how he arrived each morning impacted others. 

Jason took the feedback to heart. He took steps which Andrew describes to change how he interacted with people. It made a big difference and soon people saw him in different light.

Your arrival in the office matters. Being on time, or a little early helps. Even if you work from home, mainly meet colleagues virtually, or have a hybrid work pattern your arrival can still convey mood.

It sends a silent message about your commitment or sets a standard that others can emulate. 

 When you arrive at work, take your time to connect with colleagues. Do the minor things, like making eye contact, smiling and asking about their journey. Check whether they need any help. It can do wonders for your reputation.
 
People often come into work harried because they never leave enough time to deal with “home stuff. If you’re commuting, you may have a stressful journey. This is why some people even meditate for ten minutes every morning before doing anything else.

Slow down and take a moment to pause. Create a routine of centring yourself, to arrive both physically and mentally. This approach can work wonders, affecting both you and others. How you treat yourself on arrival can inspire them to do the same.
 
Try to assess your current mood and be aware of its effect on colleagues. 

Emotional intelligence has the most impact early in the morning.  Like that managing director, make a special effort to adopt a cheerful outlook on arrival. Grab a second or third cup of coffee if that’s what it takes.

Your arrival can set your ‘attitude barometer’ and do it for others too. One morning moan, for instance, can infect an entire team, getting everyone off to a poor start.
 
Mix things up a bit. For example, if you can, choose to sit somewhere different. Gain a fresh perspective. 

If possible, walk around and be visibl

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book