Well, this business owner turns that thinking up to "11."
About 10 years ago I was having my annual holiday party, and my niece had come with her newly minted M.B.A. boyfriend. As he looked around the room, he noted that my employees seemed happy. I told him that I thought they were.
Then, figuring I would take his new degree for a test drive, I asked him how he thought I did that. "I'm sure you treat them well," he replied.
"That's half of it," I said. "Do you know what the other half is?"
He didn't have the answer, and neither have the many other people that I have told this story. So what is the answer? I fired the unhappy people. People usually laugh at this point. I wish I were kidding.
Yeah. I wonder how long it took for his employees to realize that the saddest seemed to bite the dust? I sure bet reported "happiness" improved as he made his rounds through the office.
I can see his office now.
Yes, indeed, it's a good office. Nobody thinks bad thoughts about Mr. Goltz. It's a very happy office.