Episode Details

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We often refer to close knit or strong company cultures as families. In fact, research shows that lessons from effective family relationships can help us build healthier workplace relationships. 

Today’s guest is Dave Schramm. Known as “Dr. Dave” on campus and across the country, Dave is a professor and family life extension specialist at Utah State University in the department of Human Development and Family Studies. He studies strong couple and family relationships, and translates his family findings into leadership lessons and improving work cultures.

Dave and I talk about the three needs of all humans, how those needs show up at work, the connection between family and a positive workplace experience, how managers can apply lessons of healthy family dynamics to their team, positivity, natural consequences and so much more.

Members of The Modern Manager community get Dave’s list of 50 Ideas for an Incredible Workplace which he created by gathering data from the top 346 best places to work.

To learn more about membership and to join, go to www.themodernmanager.com/join - become a member before December 31, 2020 and get 1 month free to give to the person of your choosing. 

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Read the related blog article: Lessons From Family Life That Strengthen Workplace Culture

Check out the bonus series Parenting Your Business where I talk about the lessons I’ve translated from parenting into managing. 

• PYB 1: Pick Out The Raisins: https://www.themodernmanager.com/episodes/episode/be91d944/pyb-1-pick-out-the-raisins
• PYB 2: Banned From The Boat: https://www.themodernmanager.com/episodes/episode/b738b10e/pyb-2-banned-from-the-boat
• PYB 3: Halloween Costume Confusion: https://www.themodernmanager.com/episodes/episode/19af9191/pyb-3-halloween-costume-confusion
• PYB 4: This Way!: https://www.themodernmanager.com/episodes/episode/e9c23001/pyb-4-this-way
• PYB 5: What Happens When You Die?: https://www.themodernmanager.com/episodes/episode/212678f0/pyb-5-what-happens-when-you-die

Key Takeaways:

• There are three fundamental needs humans have in life that show up in both family and work: safety, satisfaction, and connection.
• Safety includes both physical and emotional safety. Physical safety may be a large enough paycheck to pay the bills, while emotional safety involves feeling comfortable enough to speak out without fear of retribution. 
• A foundation of trust is essential for safety. Ask your employees directly what would give them more of a sense of support, including what they see as meaningful benefits and perks. 
• Research shows employees become more loyal when they experience kindness from their manager or leader.
• All of us are born with a desire to move towards rewards. At work, that translates into professional development opportunities to stretch our talents and move forward. 
• In the best workplaces, employees have a deep sense that they belong, that they ar