A Better Workplace Conversation

You meet some very interesting people along the way while working.

Two such people that Max Brown and I had the privilege of meeting via our internet Real Recognition Radio show are Sonia Di Maulo and Tanveer Naseer both based in Montreal, Canada.

This past Tuesday they appeared as guests on our show to share in A Better Workplace Conversation” which was very stimulating discussion.

Sonia will always keep you focused on giving positive feedback as a tool for better performance using techniques like the 3 + 1 model. She always asks are you ready to feedback? Yes, you will have to listen to the show to learn about her model.

Tanveer will guide you in creating a positive workplace even during our tough economy right now. He provides ideas on how serving makes us better leaders. Yes, he will share ways to get out of the tough state many of us are in and into a more positive state.

So if you want to build trust, encourage a more positive and engaging workplace, gain greater productivity AND give better praise and recognition at work...well you can find the solutions all on Real Recognition Radio.

Listen in!

Rewarding Failure

Ron Ashkenas, co-author of The GE Work-Out and The Boundaryless Organization recently blogged about the trouble we create in business and government by rewarding failure.

This mirrors the “seven reasons why people don’t do what we want them to”.

1. No Expectations
When we fail to set expectations of what we want someone to do, how can we complain when a person doesn’t do it right? No expectations lead to failure. So set clear and specific expectations and we will eliminate the degree of failure.

2. No Feedback
When we fail to give feedback to an individual after setting the expectations we are doing them a disservice but not letting them know how they are doing. Have they met, exceeded or not reached the expectations set. Give people feedback – positive and constructive -.and you’ll see progress happen right away.

3. No Training
If we don’t educate and train our people on the knowledge and skills needed to do the job properly then we must take responsibility for any failure. Education changes from within and training changes from without and both lead to success.

4. No Resources
Without the tools, the equipment, the monies, and the right people to make things happen nothing really can happen. If the only tool in town is a hammer everything begins to look like a nail. Give people the resources and they’ll perform miracles.

5. Reward Wrong
Like Ron Ashkenas shared on the financial crisis, sometimes we reward the wrong things by not holding people accountable for results and rewarding behaviors we don’t want. Define the right behaviors and results and reward them.

6. Punish Right
Sometimes we punish people when they do the right things simply by minimizing what they do or making light of high performers so they look bad in front of others. Set the right expectations and recognize people who reach them so they become role models for success.

7. Ignore Either
Unfortunately, we most often ignore the great and not so great things going on in the workplace. Never lose out on the opportunity to recognize what people are doing well and coach people who just may be off track to get back on board.

Let’s focus on our strengths and manage our weaknesses the right way and not by rewarding failure.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day

Believe it or not, today, the first Friday in March, is Employee Appreciation Day.

So have you thanked a colleague, fellow employee, or boss today for truly making a difference to you at your work?

One survey by Adecco USA found 75 percent of employees reported they gave enough "thanks" to their coworkers. Meanwhile the same respondents believe they do not get enough appreciation for their own efforts. Perhaps this mirrors the human tendency to self-report ourselves doing better on behaviors than those around us, but still perceptions are real in the eyes of the beholder.

Survey participants also reported 65 percent of employees would like to receive more "thanks" at their jobs, even though 52 percent said their boss does a good job of thanking them. Seems half of the bosses out there might need to pull up their socks in this area.

And don’t worry about generational differences. Expressing appreciation even makes an impact across the generations. Over 75 percent of Generation Y (those aged 18-29) said more thanks would bring more motivation to do a better job, compared to just 36 percent of the Silent Generation (ages 62 and above).

So bosses and co-workers, PLEASE get out there and express THANKS to one more person today.

Employee Appreciation Day - EXPANSION!

When you flip the calendar or your online version this Friday, the first one in March, it should show up stating it is Employee Appreciation Day.

For trivia buffs, this day first appeared on the calendars back in 1995. Bob Nelson, then one of Recognition Professionals International’s (formerly National Association for Employee Recognition) founding Board members, apparently created Employee Appreciation Day as a way of focusing the attention of all employers in all industries to employee recognition. It is always the first Friday in March.

It’s a good reminder.

Now consider this reality.

Nearly nine in 10 organizations reported having recognition programs in place according to a WorldatWork study. Sounds pretty impressive, doesn’t it?

What? I know what you are thinking. You’re not feeling very recognized are you? Neither were 65 percent of 4 million workers surveyed once by the Gallup Organization. These folks said they received no recognition on the job the previous year.

No wonder we need an Employee Appreciation Day!! Over 2.5 million people in the U.S. reported not ONE act of acknowledgement, praise, appreciation, recognition, award or reward the year they were asked about recognition.

I think it is time we expand the awareness from one day, don't you?

Let’s be audacious, bold, and daring. Let’s mark down on every single day on our calendar – 365 days of the year (366 on Leap Years!) – Employee Appreciation Day. Remind yourself each and every day to stop and recognize at LEAST one employee or co-worker, for their example and contributions. Even thank your boss!

Here are some Top 10 Idea Provokers for Employee Appreciation Day for you to practice.