As managers we all know from "Supervision 101" that it's important to reinforce our staff -- to let them know when their doing a good job. But unfortunately, all too often in
rush & race of getting everything done we quickly fall into philosophy of "no new is good news". If I'm not telling them what they did wrong, then they know that they're doing OK. I would like to encourage everyone who reads this message to make an early resolution & spend month of December saying "Thank You". It doesn't need to be time consuming & it doesn't need to be expensive -- let us show you how & THANKS for making an effort! 1. If you really want to do it right -- then do it write! - Take a few minutes each day & jot a personal note to 1 or 2 staff members about why you value their work & what contributions you feel they have made to team effort. Before months over, you should have a personal note for each staff person that they will treasure far more than an expensive but impersonal gift. 2. Let everyone join in - Create a "warm fuzzy" box for each staff member & position them where entire team can get to them. Then encourage each staff member to write on a slip of paper just a1 or 2 sentences about what they admire in each of their co-workers. At Christmas party make sure that everyone gets their own warm fuzzy box to keep as a memento of all they bring into lives of those around them.
3. Take a sweet approach - Buy a couple large bags of candy (lifesavers & chocolate kisses or something that symbolizes holiday spirit for you). As you walk around & observe your team members in action, catch them doing what they do best. What always reliable staff person shows up on time, thank them for being so dependable & give them a piece of candy. It's may sound simple, but you'll be amazed at smiles you reap in response!
4. Create a Christmas Angel - Purchase an inexpensive holiday pin or button. Something that will make your team members smile. Take first step & "AWARD" it to someone you catch in a random act of kindness. Tell them to wear pin in good health & then pass it on when they catch another "Christmas angel" at work. Not only will this encourage everyone to actively engage in "holiday spirit" it will create a sense of "team" & closeness within your staff.
5. Create a Wall of Fame" - This one takes a little more planning, but you may be able to "cheat" by going through photos taken earlier in year if your team does that on a semi-regular basis. In recognition of outstanding job your team does all year round, create a photo collage on main bulletin board where lots of people can see it & comment on it. Make sure photos catch your people in action -- doing what they do best!
