Are you in a place where you love what you do? Are you excited about coming to work every day and feel like you don't work a day in your life. Haha, no probably not. I think there are a rare breed that is that certain about their life choices. But just because you aren't one of those doesn't mean you don't have a perfect fit and enjoy your work. You'd at least like to not feel like the grass is greener on the other side, right?

1. Do you prefer Tuesdays or Thursdays?
• A colleague's comment last week made me realize how glass half full or half empty this statement is. Are you thankful that it is Tuesday and you have days left to still get stuff accomplished? Or if it is Thursday, are you already looking forward to the weekend? You might enjoy what you do if you don't count the hours you have to do it.
2. Do you attend optional after hours or lunch time events?
• With two choices, to attend or not to attend, do you choose to spend more than your 40 hours around the people you work with? Developing relationships with those around beyond the tasks and paperwork can be a strong sign that you should stay where you are. The people you work with have a much larger impact on your happiness than your paycheck!
3. Have you been with more than 3 companies in your career?
• Job hopping does seem to be the thing of the times if you want to advance or get a pay increase. While that may be true, it also means a lot of other change that equates to unhappiness. Having to accrue vacation time, having to gain trust, having to learn the basics. Starting over too many times will make you feel like you are moving backwards instead of up. There are ways to move laterally internally if you are looking for a challenge. And don't forget that asking for a raise is an option!

It is no lie that even with all of the great minds, great resources, and great intentions that projects can still fall apart. It is frustrating when dealing with missed deadlines, budgets, or worst of all, both. So what can you do if you are off track? Well, obviously you need to change what you've been doing.

Here are some ideas:

1. Add or remove one project person
• Sometimes you need some fresh blood, or to figuratively spill it. By adding or removing one person you can change the dynamic of the project team. Remember the communication channel equation: N(N-1)/2 ? How people interact with one another whether it is bulldozing decisions or passively agreeing to everything can change if you change the involved parties.
2. Add a personal touch
• When you get wrapped up in tasks, agenda items, and meetings project members may begin to coast. Get their attention by doing a kickstart like when you did a kickoff. Do a ice breaker game or another team building activity. For example, take the meeting off-site, bring in lunch for a socialized hour, or tell some personal stories/jokes to get everyone in a collaborative and friendly spirit.
3. Give them the time of day
• I know, you are busy. They are too busy tackling all sorts of problems in conjuncture to your project. Sometimes all you need is a break, mental or physical, to get rejuvenated. Take the time to talk to each of your project members and ask them about their vacation time or about anything else that is not project related. They might feel tied down and so give them the benefit of the doubt and a little freedom and then the renewed energy will come back around eventually.

Last month I hit my one year anniversary at my new (can I still call it new?) company. Hooray! What I realized though is that emotionally it is more a relief than a celebration. A year ago I was unemployed after being laid off and well, it still stresses me out to think about it. It wasn't a fun time and having a new company that values me makes me feel like I did come out ahead in the end, but that doesn't make it worth it. That feeling, that experience, sticks with me and has become a part of me in ways that I wish it wasn't.

photo credit: Pleister(werk) via photopin (license)

The Answer? Laughter. Seriously. It is the key to a good team, to easing tensions, and for simply brightening up your life. It is a body language tool that you can use to your advantage whether intentionally or not. Whether you have a hearty boom, a snickering smile, or continuous stream of haha's, a laugh is almost as contagious as a smile. It can turn a situation into one of friendship and personal. More specifically, a laugh:

1. Show you're having a good time
• My cube mates are loud. But they are our support team and when I hear giggling, see jokes on whiteboards, and can join hallways gatherings I know it is a good thing. They obviously are enjoying themselves at work and there's nothing bad about that! It creates an environment of happiness.
2. Show you're human and make mistakes
• Being able to laugh at yourself is important. And if you physically and literally do that in front of others, it can put them at ease. "Haha, I knew that." or a "woops" with a smile. Instead of getting stressed out, laugh it off and get to fixing it!
3. Show your personality
• Laughter demonstrates what you find entertaining, funny, and worthy of your continued attention. If a comedian, speaker, or colleague jokes about the weather or the competitor's shortcomings, you find a commonality which is vital in growing relationship. You will hang out with people that you enjoy being around more so be one of those people!

Yup, it happened to me. And I think there are two reactions to this scenario: you love it or hate it. You're either jealous or proud. Honestly, it was a bit of both for me as I have similar ambitions but for our team, this change will be good for me too. And I'm relieved a bit that we didn't bring in fresh blood at the top because we're already a solid team. Anyways, now you have to start building a manager-employee relationship. How can set yourself up for success?

1. Be the first to reach out
• Communicate communicate communicate! There is a lot of unsure feelings circulating and someone needs to break the ice. Call them and congratulate them. Give them at least one reason why you are excited for them to be in this new position so it isn't canned. This admission of their position will start this new relationship out on the right foot because your initiation of this new communication makes them feel comfortable coming to you in the future.
2. Come prepared to your first meeting with them as the boss
• Whether it is a one-on-one or a team gathering, make yourself and your work known. Your new boss might have been on your team but they may not know the efforts you've been put it. Have examples, speak up, and show that you are a valued member of this team. Become their go-to person for just one thing and it will create a good foundation for this new team dynamic.
3. Plan your next move together
• Okay, so maybe you wish you got it. Or you've had so many managers that you hate having to constantly prove yourself. If you are interested in promotion (or maybe simply not being the top of the list for getting laid off), you have to show your value to your new boss whether you like it or not. Talk to your boss about where you want to be so they can be your advocate and mentor. They just lived a personal experience so learn from their success!