Rodney McAree says there is a buzz about Glentoran after three wins on the bounce.
McAree took over The Oval hot seat after a run of five league defeats in a row which led to the end of Mick McDermott's tenure.
But the smiles are back around the place again thanks to wins over Newry City, Dungannon Swifts and Crusaders.
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"There's a buzz about the dressing room and when we're going into our team meetings and training," said McAree.
"So we have to build on that and keep encouraging players to smile more. A happy player is a better player.
"If we have players worried about making a mistake then we're not going to get what we need out of them.
"If we can get players relaxed, enjoying their football with a smile on their face they will go out and perform.
"At this moment in time it's working. It has got us back on track, but we have to build on it."
The Glens take a break from league action on Saturday as they face Portadown in the last-16 of the Irish Cup.
McAree is hoping for an extended run in the competition after the disappointment of last season when they were expelled following the Joe Crowe eligibility row.
"Last year happened but it should never have been allowed to happen, but it did.
"It's maybe a little bit of motivation and incentive, but I don't think at this moment in time we're a squad that really needs motivation or incentives.
"We have things moving forward in the right direction. We have to continue that.
"It will be tough as it's Portadown's opportunity to focus on something other than the league.
"They've had ill-fortune in the league so they will be looking at the cup as a break away from that.
"We have a good squad of players and the Irish Cup is massive for Glentoran.
"When I first walked through the door you had dreams about that first Saturday in May, not that we're anywhere near that yet, but you win on Saturday and you're one step closer to it."
There is also positive news on the injury front with McAree revealing Conor McMenamin is edging closer to a return.
"Conor did bits and pieces of the warm-up on Monday night with the boys but he hasn't joined in with the training yet," said McAree.
"He's maybe a couple of weeks away."
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