Our work days are moving so rapidly that many important values and practices that can positively impact motivation and productivity are getting left behind. Competitive necessity has forced our expectations to be higher, and that is a good thing. But when we take excellent performance or service for granted, we are missing an opportunity to reinforce that desirable behavior, and to create a new kind of employee satisfaction and loyalty.
We don’t necessarily have to be someone’s immediate supervisor or manager to have this influence. Other employees and managers in an organization can have a positive impact as well. Noticing and acknowledging a job well done can be offered by anyone – another leader in the organization, a peer, or even a customer.
Organizations who consciously want to become a company that can attract and retain good talent will take the time to notice and acknowledge the positive efforts and contributions of their employees at all levels. Doing this becomes ingrained in their culture, reflecting the core values of its leadership.
One business, whose owner strongly values his employees and customers, practices the attitude of gratitude and appreciation every day. This business advertises very little, and has as many customer referrals as they can handle, with a lower than average employee turnover rate. Coincidence?
The success of this business can likely be attributed not only to its employees doing a great job, but also to the owner, who models leadership excellence by noticing and giving positive feedback, and by promoting a culture of acknowledgement among the team.
Staff meetings always start with what is going well and highlighting successes and accomplishments since the last meeting. The employees enjoy acknowledging their successes before turning their agenda to the inevitable challenges that need to be addressed. And, doing so also creates more positive energy with which to tackle those challenges.
To some, this might seem too “warm and fuzzy”, “touchy-feely” or it may be perceived as an unnecessary waste of time. Good performance or service, however, should never be taken for granted. Those who insist, “That’s what they get paid for” are missing the mark. Yes, we are all paid to do a good job, but there is more to it.
While people have to earn a living to provide for their needs, research continues to show that what really motivates employees is doing a good job or making a difference, and having that be noticed and appreciated. Those who insist that this is not necessary will eventually suffer the consequences with lower morale, lower productivity and higher turnover.
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, consider this challenge: make a conscious effort to notice and appreciate the contributions and accomplishments of those around you. Then take a moment to acknowledge the person(s) for their efforts or their good work.
The expression of acknowledgement can come in a variety of forms: a face to face “thank you”, a brief written note left on the person’s desk, or an appreciative email or voicemail. The form of appreciation is less important than the sincerity of and commitment to doing it.
Continue to practice this noticing and acknowledging process for the next thirty days, and watch how it starts to make a difference in the productivity and positivity of the relationships in your environment.
