I know that’s a pretty big promise to live up to. I’m about to give you the one secret that can make everyone you deal with happier.
Crazy, right?
Impossible!
But let me ask you this. What is the one thing that you’ll never hear anyone say?
“I really love to feel unappreciated!”
Okay, maybe you’d hear it if someone was being totally sarcastic. However, nobody is ever thrilled to feel like someone is taking them for granted.
This is true in the workplace, as well as in your personal relationships. To keep someone around, they need to feel valued. If they don’t feel valued, you can bet that they’ll be looking around for someone else to value them – whether it be on match.com or monster.com.
As a manager or business owner, it is important to realize that by recognizing employees for doing a good job, it actually helps motivate them to continue performing well. Although some business have an entire employee morale program complete with a large budget, many things can be done for less than $100. Check out “1001 Ways to Reward Employees” by Bob Nelson, PH.D. for a bunch of great ideas and low-cost activities you can implement at your company.
I’ve given it a lot of thought though and I really think I know the best tip ever invented.
Are you ready for my awesome secret of making everyone happier?
Here it is in one little word: Praise.
Praise your employees.
Praise your spouse or significant other.
Praise your friends.
You can even praise your freaking dog.
It’s that simple. If someone is doing a good job – TELL THEM!
If you appreciate someone for doing something awesome, or even just consistently being a super friend or supportive spouse – TELL THEM!
If you value an employee and you want them to continue working for you, TELL THEM that you value them. Otherwise, when they hand in their resignation… it will be too late.
So my Pocketful readers,* let’s spread the love. Here’s your homework for the day: the next time someone does something great – whether it be the super friendly waitress that takes your order or the fact that your husband finally remembered to put the dishes in the dishwasher – tell them what a great job they did!
*By the way, my sweet and sassy Pocketful readers, I owe you a bit of praise. I appreciate and value every single person who has taken a minute out of their day to read my ramblings.