“Good words are worth much, and cost little.” – George Herbert
Recognize the behavior that you want to see more of – and you will get it! Behavior reinforced is behavior repeated!
Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? It also seems like it should be easy to implement.
It is.
But most of us don’t do it – enough.
Why not?
Words come easy. Effective use of our words requires thought and effort. And… a plan.
Words of recognition, appreciation and encouragement pay big dividends. People want to do their best work. However, many managers don’t help their team members to do the best that they are capable of delivering.
It is easy to criticize. It takes time, effort and a plan to offer effective, constructive feedback. Here are the three key elements of that plan:
- To be effective, recognition must be timely. Offer your words of encouragement and appreciation as soon as your witness the action or become aware of it.
- To be effective, praise must be specific. Saying, “Good job, Joe!” is not enough. Those are empty words. What job did Joe do? What, specifically, made it a good job? What specific level of “good” did Joe deliver? Try this: “Joe, thank you for delivering your monthly report ahead of schedule. I appreciate the effort that you put into clarifying your department’s action plan for the month.” It took more thought to say it this way. It required you to put more effort into it. But… I guarantee you that “Joe” will put even more effort into his work. He will appreciate your effort to recognize his efforts!
- It must be tied into your organization’s overal goals and objectives. Tell “Joe” why his good work matters. Connect the dots for “Joe” and the rest of your team.
Remember these words:
“Everyone wants to be appreciated.So if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret.” – Mary Kay Ash
I, too, like to receive feedback on the articles that I post. Please take a few minutes to give me feedback. Tell me what you like – and why. What you don’t like – and why not? And help me to produce more of what you want to read about.
Follow the simple plan that I outlined here. It works! I guarantee it.
Watch My Excel Videos in High Definition Full Screen Mode on YouTube
YouTube Logo
At the request of several viewers, I have begun to produce my Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Access Video Lessons in High Definition, Full Screen Viewing Mode. You can watch them, download them, share them and comment on them on YouTube. My YouTube Channel is DannyRocksExcels.
Here is the link to the YouTube”Playlist” that I have created for the HD Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=9D34C8C834E21A51
Please “bookmark” this link. As I add more HD Videos on YouTube, the Playlist will be updated.
Danny on iTunes
I will continue to post my videos on www.thecompanyrocks.com in M4V video format so that they can be sent automatically to the iTunes store. I invite you to subscribe to my video podcast – Danny Rocks Tips and Timesavers – on iTunes. It is free! Here is the link to my iTunes podcast:
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/danny-rocks-excel-tips/id374923275
I welcome your feedback on my videos. Let me know what you like, what you don’t like or would like to see improved. Send me your questions and I will do my best to answer them promptly. Just drop a note to say hello!
Learn how to “Master Excel in Minutes – Not Months!”