Is it possible for a manager to smile too often?

Just me. · Jan 16, 2020

As long as you are professional, as you said maybe they are being sarcastic/joking. I'm sure you are aware of circumstances that warrant a more serious tone.

HandsOffMySteth · Jan 16, 2020

43 minutes ago, SilverBells said:
The other day, a coworker had mentioned that they found it "disturbing," that every time I'm at work, I smile a lot and/or laugh. Now, this person is known to be sarcastic and joke a lot themselves...but it does make me wonder: Is it possible for a manager to smile and/or laugh too much? Do I need to maintain a 'serious' attitude solely because I am a unit manager?

Never do that when giving bad news.

SilverBells, BSN · Jan 16, 2020

13 minutes ago, juniper222 said:
Never do that when giving bad news.

Of course not. I’m more so talking about having a happy disposition in general.

HandsOffMySteth · Jan 16, 2020

5 minutes ago, SilverBells said:
Of course not. I’m more so talking about having a happy disposition in general.

I probably should have put a emoticon next to that. It was meant to be a joke. Imagine saying " you're fired" while laughing! The stuff of comedy.

I think that other person was just joking with you. Happy people are fun to work with ,and can make your day. I wish more people were like that.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2020

I think having a happy disposition is contagious. Nothing destroys a negative attitude quicker than someone that's smiling and seeing the bright side. We need leaders like you.

However, I can think of one person that forces it and it's not sincere and it's phony and I can tell. She's extremely annoying to be around. If it's who are you and coming from the heart and you're serious when you have to be then just be yourself.

Kitiger, RN · Jan 17, 2020

4 hours ago, juniper222 said:
Never do that when giving bad news.

I had to agree, because the manager who was my creepiest ever used to smile while delivering poison.

allnurses Guide · Jan 17, 2020

Not long ago a new grad posted they were sure they were getting fired because their manager had a furrowed brow and was looking at the floor.

For the types that over analyze things, you won't be able to do anything exactly right. Be who you are. Authenticity speaks louder than anything.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2020

Some people aren't happy unless they're unhappy. Ignore the grump and be yourself.

"nursy", RN · Jan 17, 2020

If that's the only thing they can find to complain about, I would say you are all pretty lucky. Maybe they're just jealous because you're happy.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jan 18, 2020

Hi @SilverBells congratulations on the promotion. From your recent posts I am guessing you are second guessing yourself a lot at the moment.

Few suggestions, have a look at some leadership articles (HBR has 3 free a month), books on leadership such as HBS, Brene Brown, Jo Own, or anything else in your work or local library. Have a look at websites such as the Advisory board company, institute for healthcare improvement etc. Do some reading, ask your manager for advice- you are not expected to know everything, questions or looking for a sounding board shows good leadership.

Look at professional development courses. I was sent on one which was fantastic and I still use things from the 10 sessions years later.

Pop over and check out the management board under the specialities tab.

To answer your question I smile at work. I also say hello to every staff member that walks into my ward - cleaner, phleb, med students, consultant to executive. It has paid off because the staff all do it now as well and I consistently get feedback about how friendly and inclusive the ward is.

I also say good morning to each of the team as I see them in the morning, thank the AM shift as they leave at 3.30 pm, say hi to the PM shift as I see them.

Snatchedwig, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jan 18, 2020

I dont care what others think of me. You shouldn't either. Get your check girl.