CEO Corner: "The 5 Love Languages"
Written by Soong Chong, Director
I recently read a book called "The Five Love Languages" by Dr. Gary Chapman.
Dr. Chapman is a well-known and respected author, and speaker. This book is essentially written for a "love" relationship however I believe that it is also applicable in the work environment.
Without going into to much detail, there is essentially 1 dominant love language in a relationship. The 5 love languages are:
- Words of Affirmation
- Quality Time
- Receiving Gifts
- Acts of Service
- Physical Touch
The following table shows how this is applicable in a work situation. Enjoy and I recommend that you get the book. Its a great read.
A Staff perspective to a Manager
| Dominant Language of a Manager | Comment |
| Words of Affirmation |
If this is your manager's language, then unsolicited compliments would mean the world to him or her. Your manager would appreciate comments of appreciation for shielding yourself from negative clients or taking the heat from upper management |
| Quality Time | If this is your manager's language, then undivided attention is essential. Looking distracted or yawning during a meeting with the manager could spell trouble for your career. Postponing assigned tasks could essentially set the manager off. |
| Receiving Gifts | In the language of love it is the thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. In a work environment, it will be thoughtfulness and effort of offering a cup of coffee or water. Or even prompting the manager for extra work to lighten the managers work load. |
| Acts of Service |
Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities for the manager. |
| Physical Touch | In a work environment, this would be limited to a handshake of appreciation |
A Manager perspective to a member of staff
| Dominant Language of a Staff | Comment |
| Words of Affirmation |
If this is your staff's language, then unsolicited compliments of appreciation would be received well. e.g. Great work |
| Quality Time | If this is your staff's language, then coaching and mentoring would be received very well. |
| Receiving Gifts | In a work environment, it could be once a month drinks or a "well-being program" for the staff or even a spot bonus. |
| Acts of Service | Committing to meetings, coaching and mentoring would be received very well Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for staff tells them that their feelings don’t matter. |
| Physical Touch | In a work environment, this would be limited to a handshake of appreciation |
