High job satisfaction is particularly important for the productivity of employees whose work involves extensive contact with people. A recent study conducted with managers showed that managers with high job sat¬isfaction were more likely to:²
Listen to others.
Show awareness and concern for the feelings of others.
Be tactful.
Have good emotional control.
Accept criticism.
These behaviors are more likely to improve the productivity of workers whose jobs involve extensive contact with people. For instance, it is important for supervisors and sales representatives to listen to others and to be tactful. If a supervisor does not listen carefully to employees, the supervisor may not learn about problems until they have gotten out of hand. Tact is important for the supervisor because employees will often lose respect for a tactless supervisor. Sales representatives are expected to be good listeners and to be tactful. Listening provides clues about what customers really want, and customers expect to be treated cour¬teously.
