Author Interview: Dr. Paul White

Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, author, speaker, and consultant who specializes in workplace relationships. He joined The Matt Friedeman Show to discuss his latest book, The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Here are the "CliffsNotes" of his interview.

Does this book have any connection to The Five Love Languages?

It does. Dr. Chapman and I wrote this book together. We've been working for the past year to work the love languages around the workplace. 

We wanted to provide practical resources to help managers and coworkers relate to one another better.

How can we show appreciation in the workplace?

There's a big issue going on right now in that over 65% of people say they haven't heard any appreciation in the last six months, whereas managers say they're making efforts to affirm them. The messages that are being sent aren't getting there.

Different elements have to be there in order for people to feel appreciated. The five love languages in the workplace have the same names; Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.

We've developed an inventory that goes along with the book, so people can find out what their languages are. We then get that to their supervisor so they can take that information and use it to build up the employees.

Could it be adapted for use in the church?

Absolutely. We wrote it with that in mind. We wrote a chapter on encouraging volunteers. We want to apply this to churches, to ministries, non profit organizations, to schools. We know that we can encourage and show appreciation in ways that make them feel valued.

One of the things we've done is work this in a way that doesn't cost a lot of money. What matters are just small things that let them know you care about them. If they're sports fans, get them an SEC magazine. Buy them a cup of Starbucks.

Our inventory helps specify what each person needs, so you can hit the mark and help them feel appreciated.

Does this increase job satisfaction?

Absolutely. We increase customer satisfaction. We decrease staff conflict. Employees report that they enjoy coming to work more.

To learn more about Dr. Paul White and his work, you can visit his website.