Archive for the ‘organizational cultures’ tag
Praise Progress, Please!
“I have never been praised for my work at any job.”
The young professional who told me this wasn’t complaining. He was “just” reporting the facts of his career to date.
He had heard me make the point that celebration and praise are essential practices inside any company or organization committed to delivering extraordinary customer experience.
An informal conversation began. Soon there were four others sharing their work experience and the lack of praise inside their organizations.
Sad to say these were all Iowa residents telling stories from the Iowa marketplace and business community. (Though I suspect this isn’t “just” an Iowa issue!)
The “whys” behind this can be offered up. At this point I don’t care.
Are you a leader, manager or supervisor? Can you think of a time and place when you praised the progress of someone in your department?
If not, you have no right to complain about “those people”. Those people are just like you. And they respond to encouraging recognition and praise just like you.
This Sunday afternoon I watched 8 year old boys play in an i9 flag football game. The air was full of praise. That’s how kids get better. Adults are wired the same.
Let’s remember that when we step into the office, walk the shop floor or pass a colleague in the hall tomorrow morning!
After all, what does it cost you to praise an employee who is making progress? HINT: it will never show up on your financial officers spread sheet!