We all need some appreciation.
In fact, research by Gallup shows that the ideal is to give employees recognition or praise for a job well done at least once a week. If you are not doing this, you are starving your team!
We are all busy and giving a little gratitude can slip your mind if you let it. Here are a few tips from an article in Harvard Business Review to help you show appreciation to your team:
*Write notes of appreciation every now and then – even better if it is handwritten. Take the time to explain why you appreciate the person and the positive impact they are having on you and the organization. Be specific with your example.
*Slow down and notice how each team member is doing. If someone seems to be having a challenging time with an assignment, ask “Is there anything I can do? Would it help to talk it out?”
*Find fun and novel ways to acknowledge people. I know someone who used to give out Kudos Bars. Sorry, they are no more, but you get the idea. Get creative.
*Provide growth assignments. A win-win way to show a team member that they are doing a good job is to give them an important project that will help them stretch and develop new skills. Make sure to provide the appropriate support.
*Add “Gratitude” to your To Do List. Once a week, ask yourself, “Have I shown appreciation to everyone on the team?” Sometimes this happens naturally, sometimes not. If not, jump to it!
*Give credit when your team has a success. Often times, the praise goes to a leader. Make sure that you share it with your team and point out what they have done specifically to make the project a success.
*Be a kindness role model. Be nice. It does not take a lot of extra energy, but will help build a more positive culture.
This is a good list to get started. If you want even more ideas, check out these from an article in the Wall Street Journal.
People work hard and deserve some recognition. Use these ideas to make sure your team knows how much you appreciate them.
*Ideas for this blog taken from: HBR Editors, “Our Favorite Management Tips About Showing Gratitude at Work,” Harvard Business Review online, November 22, 2023.
