What if there was a 'Mood Alert' for your boss? | A story about days when it's best to stay away
Hello, I'm Yura.
There is something in workplace relationships that has a surprisingly large impact.
That is, the boss's mood.
The atmosphere of a meeting, the timing of a report, a casual remark.
Even the same words can be received differently depending on the boss's mood.
What if—
What if that mood was broadcast every morning like a weather forecast?
Is it sunny today?
Or is there a thunderstorm warning?
Let's imagine, just for a moment, such a future in the workplace.
1 | Today's Mood Forecast
Good morning.
Here is Director XX's mood for today.
It will be mostly sunny in the morning.
However, please be careful of gusts of wind in the progress report area.
The afternoon will be temporarily unstable due to visitors.
Refrain from unnecessary comments.
Probability of precipitation (sighs): 40%.
The department is quietly buzzing.
2 | Better safe than sorry
The subordinates prepare.
・Documents must be perfect
・Keep small talk to a minimum
・Keep emails short
・Postpone questions until the evening or later
It's just like preparing for a typhoon.
"Let's try not to get too close today."
Some even calculate the probability of encountering them in the hallway.
3 | Sudden Change
But the weather changes.
The director receives a critique from an executive during the morning meeting.
Forecast, sudden change.
--From the afternoon, please be aware of intense scolding accompanied by thunder--
Emergency evacuation in the department.
The restroom gets crowded.
4 | High Pressure Days
Rarely, a miracle happens.
--Clear skies all day. High smile index--
On this day, everyone is proactive.
Proposals fly.
Jokes are understood.
Projects get approved.
People are controlled by the weather.
5 | Side effects of the forecast
However, there is a problem.
On days when the forecast is bad, no one comes near.
Reports are delayed.
Consultations decrease.
The distance grows.
Eventually, the manager says:
"Lately, communication with my subordinates has decreased."
No one says it's because of the weather.
6 | The real weather
One day, a system failure occurs.
--Today's mood data cannot be retrieved--
Chaos in the department.
I wonder how they are right now.
No one knows.
I have no choice but to speak to them directly.
And then.
They were surprisingly normal.
7 | What's the forecast for tomorrow?
If only a boss's mood could be forecasted.
We would surely,
act wisely.
Carry an umbrella,
avoid the wind,
and stay inside on stormy days.
But.
The moment we start treating people like 'weather',
the workplace becomes a little bit of a desert.
It's safe,
but it's not warm.