Rules of Management, The: A Definitive Code for Managerial Success

Chapter 20. Create a Good Atmosphere

	“Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.”
	--Henry Clay, nineteenth-century American politician

Creating a good atmosphere isn’t only easy but also essential. If your staff are sullen and despondent and depressed and surly—it shows. It shows in their work, the way they handle customers and peers, the way they relate to each other, and most importantly, the way they work with you and for you.

It takes nothing to say good morning politely and mean it. It isn’t a chore to make sure everyone has a coffee or tea for a meeting. It takes a second to ask, “How are you today?” The three rules for any workplace are as follows:

• Politeness

• Friendliness ...