The SMH today had two reports on happiness and satisfaction following the Australian Bureau of Statistics releasing a report on progress.

The first article, Feeling fed up? reported that there is a dip in happiness in people in their forties, but that the sense of wellbeing returns in later years.

The second, Recipe for happiness…, by Christopher Scanlon is a thoughtful opinion piece noting that the proliferation of happiness literature and ‘solutions’. In particular, he challenges the move to public policy attempting to address ‘happiness’ as it is such a subjective state.

For communication, the implications of satisfaction and happiness are a deep pool. Rather than dive in, I will only dip my toe today:

Communication needs to be careful when trying to generate satisfaction or happiness. Businesses (and leaders) who are trying to ‘make their employees happy’ are running a risk of trying to overstep their brief. Communication intended to ‘keep them happy’ is doomed to a short and ineffective life.

What business can do is create environments in which people can achieve satisfaction:

• recognise that people are individuals
• be clear about expectations: yours AND those of employees
• be upfront and open
• be prepared to answer the question “Why?”

BandT Magazine recently reported that a survey of ad agencies identified the receptionist as the most important role in the company, ahead of creative director, account manager and MD.

While BandT noted some doubts about the validity of the survey, the results raise two valid points:

1. Fist impressions count. Particularly when your business IS impressions. Ensuring the first point of contact is fully informed and equipped should be a high priority.

2. In organisations, there are often ‘hidden’ influential audiences. These informal networks are powerful aids or barriers to communication. Examples include executive support roles and secretarial. These roles frequently have exposure to much change within a company, but are often not communicated with as a distinct audience. The benefits of early communication with this group can include:
understanding the priorities of the leader,
gathering feedback which will assist with communication,
tapping into their networks to ensure a message is effectively delivered.

Welcome to the official blog of Meaning Business.
Meaning Business builds strategies, tools, solutions and skills to make your communication great.

Consider Customers. Employees. Partners. Community.
What does your business mean to them?