After working out at my local sports club, I couldn't help but notice 20 guys, all Microsofties (this is Redmond Wa.), standing around the locker room TV, watching the final moments of the USA vs. Algeria World Cup game. A few minutes later, I heard a terrific howl of celebration. It was obvious that we had scored, and that scoring was a big deal. What I found interesting is that I had this huge smile on my face just from witnessing the excitement of the crowd and knowing that people were invigorated in celebrating the win.
There is something about celebration that lifts the human spirit...something that is distinctly human.
How deliberate are you in celebrating small successes in your office? How important is celebrating? I'm not sure that I have seen research on the subject, but I have seen research on the benefits of positive emotion for growth and success.
Bob Nelson, founder of Nelson Motivation Inc. and Vice President of Blanchard Training and Development Inc., a San Diego-based consulting company, explains that keeping people happy is very simple, and cost-effective. He says that the people you manage will not only try to work harder and give customers better service, they will tend to stay in their current jobs longer. We know how important and cost-effective that is. In his book, 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, Nelson explains:
"Part of the power of such rewards comes from the knowledge that someone took the time to notice the achievement…and personally deliver the praise.”
I think the following is one of his best suggestions:
“Call someone into your office just to thank him or her; don’t discuss any other issue.”
By doing this you're demonstrating that you value the person's well-being and success. The key is to avoid bringing up any other issue. Doing so might take away from what you've just recognized.
Despite the power of recognition noted in recent surveys, only 25 percent of employees believe that their managers express daily appreciation, whether it be by note or an in-person thank you. Unless you are among the few who already do this, flag your calendar to remind yourself to be deliberate in recognizing your employees, daily.
How much does it cost to take the time and effort to offer people spontaneous acts of gratitude and appreciation?
I guarantee that it costs a lot less than looking for a replacement...
Editor's Note: This article was written by Dr. David Mashburn. Dave is a Clinical and Consulting Psychologist, Partner at Tidemark, Inc. and a regular contributor to WorkPuzzle. Comments or questions are welcome. If you're an email subscriber, reply to this WorkPuzzle email. If you read the blog directly from the web, you can click the "comments" link below.
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