Smiley Balls: The Field Book

"SMILEYBALLS: The Field Book" challenges traditional views on leadership by focusing on middle management, the vital layer where strategy meets execution. Drawing from decades of experience, Paul H. Runko shows how managers at this level can boost engagement, build trust, and improve performance across organizations. Through practical examples, including the simple yet impactful story of “smiley balls” used to recognize achievement, Runko demonstrates how small gestures and consistent promises can change workplace culture. He discusses the unique challenges faced by middle managers and offers practical strategies for onboarding, skill development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Runko also points out silent success indicators, such as employee engagement and customer service, and explains how focusing on these metrics can enhance both morale and business results. "SMILEYBALLS" is more than just a guide for managers. It encourages creating workplaces where trust, recognition, and human connection are at the heart of every interaction.This is a Field Book—concise, practical, and built for action. Each chapter delivers focused best practices without the fluff, so you can apply insights immediately. It’s designed to be engaging and easy to read—memorable, relatable, and hard to put down. But fun doesn’t mean frivolous. This book is a jolt, a shift in perspective, a wake-up call from the middle of the leadership journey. Too often, leaders operate at 30,000 feet. This book brings you back to the ground—where culture is lived, not just designed, and where real performance gains are waiting. Whether you're middle management looking up or senior leadership looking down, this is your guide to building culture, driving engagement, and unlocking performance. And for everyone in between, it’s a career catalyst challenging stale norms, simplifying complexity, and pushing for more than just results. Read more