As a leader, you set the emotional tone at your workplace.

I saw that so clearly today at my new favourite cafe:

• They’re coffee purists (it’s excellent).
• They serve it in lovely cups (exquisite and, as it turns out, handmade by the cousin of one of the owners. That makes them feel extra special and homey all at once).
• I especially like that they love flowers (and when I said: “nice flower arrangement” (below), the owner excitedly said go check out our florist, handed me their card and described last week’s arrangement that he thought was the best ever).
• And the customers. Mostly the customers. They streamed in ordering ‘the usual’. When they left they’d smile and say, “see you tomorrow”.

It was a pleasure being there. These cafe owners (there’s two of them) sure know how to create a positive emotional climate.

I think the lesson for leaders is to find something you love about your work, if you don’t already.

It can be small. After all, these guys are passionate about their flowers and cups.

It’s because emotions are contagious. And these cafe owners clearly love their work.
And their customers, including me, love seeing them love their work.

If you’re anything like these cafe owners, I bet your team members feel the same about you.