I have written quite a few articles for IPD over the years, so I feel like you have gotten to know me pretty well; therefore, this confession may come as a bit of a shock, but I am a closet curmudgeon.

To those who read the articles on the IPD website, this may surprise you because I write about engaging employees, valuing people’s input, and encouraging chit chat at work.  And, I believe in all those things – no, really… I really do because I strive to keep my inner-curmudgeon hidden during the workday.

(Disclaimer: Truth be told, as I get older, my curmudgeonliness may be more out in the open than I am aware of and not so much of a secret to those who interact with me regularly.)

But now… I may not have to hide or attempt to keep my curmudgeon self hidden any longer.

New research is debunking the myth that the always-happy employee is your most productive employee.

You may feel that some of my articles have promoted that theory.  I would like to be on record saying that I promote how engagement affects productivity.  If you go back and read my articles, engagement looks different than happy.  Engagement is not about sugar-coating bad news or smiling until your cheeks hurt; engagement is:

• Removing inane processes that create unnecessary barriers to work completion
• Enabling flexible work situations for life adaptability
• Thanking people for specific accomplishments and contributions
• Being a part of a team that includes and respects each other – even if someone is a curmudgeon
• Providing challenging work that helps people contribute to the organization

To quote the famous Ted Lasso*, “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”  In other words, easy and happy are not the same as challenged and engaged.

If you are not already a curmudgeon, it’s not too late to take up the challenge. And remember, if it is not uncomfortable at first, you may not be doing it right – or maybe you are a closet curmudgeon too, and you feel a weight being lifted.

 If you are not convinced that grumpy is good, stay tuned for our next installment: Because the Research Says So… (be sure you say the title in your best curmudgeon voice) which is Part 2 in the 3-Part Series: Celebrating the Grumpy Coworker.

*I have a new person on my team who shares a Ted Lasso quote each week – which is where I heard this one.  I hear that Ted Lasso is a “feel-good show,” but I am too much of a cheapskate (cousin to curmudgeon) to pay for Apple TV, so I am not sure if Ted falls into the always-happy employee category.  I am hoping not, but that may just be the curmudgeon in me.