Just say it Folks

Glad that my internet problem is fixed now and I can be in touch with the world again. 10 days ago, I was on a pilgrimage trip by road. On the way back, our driver stopped by a tiny puncture shop on the highway to check if there was enough air in the tyres. As we kept chatting away in the car, my mother spotted something different there - a chair spun out of tubes (Cycle tubes).

I immediately commented "That's intelligent" while the rest in the car nodded and continued on with the conversation. My mom goes one step further - she gets down from the car, calls the old man in charge of that shop and tells him "That's a good Job" pointing at the chair. You should have seen the cheer on his face as he thanked her saying -Nandri amma. He continued proudly how comfortable and cushion like it feels when you sit in that chair. That was enough - another lesson to learn.

When you feel someone has done something worth appreciating, JUST SAY IT FOLKS - not to yourself, but to the person directly. Do it even with people you don't know - see the joy that you get looking at the happiness and pride in them.

Being able to recognize is an important quality one should develop as a leader or manager. This does not happen naturally at work unless you are able to appreciate the good things you see happening around you outside work.

Recognition in my opinion is the best way to engage people, retain talent and improve performance at work. Here are some of my favorites from the book "Carrot Principle' authored by Adrain Gostick and Chester Elton:

1. You have to remember, remember, remember to recognize. At the beginning of each day, put three coins in your right pocket. Transfer one to the left each time you reward an employee for a behaviour that is critical to your goals, your customers, your employees and your company. By the end of the day, the 3 coins should be in your left pocket.

2. Send out one hand written thank you note a day to someone who has helped you. You will be surprised to find you never run out of people to thank.

3. The next time one of your folks make a mistake in an effort to move forward in an unfamiliar territory, reward it. By rewarding courage to try something new, you create a trusting environment where innovation can, and will, occur.

4. Post letters of praise from clients (this happens) and colleagues (think about this) on a bulletin board in a high profile location.

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly make your choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com