Even More Important Than a Firebolt? Turns Out, a Good Chat With Your Boss!

No More Pizza? Blimey!

Right so I stumbled upon this article in the Muggle world and Merlin's beard it's a bit of a shocker. Apparently all those company wide pizza parties and 'generous' vacation packages aren't actually the key to a happy workplace. I always thought a good feast was essential for morale especially after a particularly nasty encounter with a Basilisk or a Dementor... or Dolores Umbridge. But according to this Muggle leadership guru Zach Mercurio there's something else entirely.

The Power of a Good Chinwag

Apparently Muggles crave a boss who's good at small talk. Not the sort of awkward silence filling chatter mind you but proper meaningful conversations. You know the kind that makes you feel like you actually matter. 'We've studied people for five years,' Mercurio says 'and nobody has said 'When I got a promotion... They've all talked about small interactions in which someone truly sees them.' It's a bit like when Dumbledore would have a quiet word with me after a particularly rough Quidditch match – made all the difference that did.

Accio! Genuine Connection!

Mercurio suggests asking questions that show you actually care. 'I know things are a little hectic this week. How are you holding up?' Or 'I heard your son graduated this week. Congratulations! How did you celebrate?' It's all about building trust and rapport. Makes sense really. Even Voldemort probably would've been a bit nicer if someone had just asked him how he was holding up after all that Horcrux business. Though perhaps not.

Remote Workers and Invisible Janitors: A Cautionary Tale

Remote workers apparently feel particularly disconnected. And those in 'underappreciated positions' – like I dunno the house elves? – often feel invisible. 'We've used technology to manage remote work so a lot of our interactions are more transactional than ever,' Mercurio says. 'But what can't be an email is checking in on how you're doing because your parents are in the hospital.' It's a fair point. You can't exactly send a Patronus Charm via Slack.

Avoid the 'How Was Your Weekend?' Trap

If you want to be good at small talk avoid autopilot questions like 'How are you today?' or 'How was your weekend?' Instead ask 'What are you excited to be working on?' or 'What was the highlight of your weekend?' Apparently these 'conversational threads' encourage more substantial conversation. It's like asking 'What's your Patronus?' instead of just 'What's your favourite colour?' More insightful wouldn't you say?

Bosses Take Note! Or Get Sacked!

Bosses especially need to make an effort. 'I encourage leaders to track your interactions with your team,' Mercurio says. 'How much of that time is spent talking about who they are and how they're doing?' It's all about creating relationships that keep employees engaged. And maybe just maybe less likely to accidentally unleash a rogue Bludger in the office.