Written by When was the last time you complimented a member of your team? Saying great job or thank you to a member of your team may just make the difference in their day. This compliment does not cost you or your organization any money, time, or energy. It does not have to be documented somewhere in their file. But it does provide that member of your team recognition that someone does notice what they are accomplishing, even if it is just for completing a mundane task well.
Imagine when you were a young member of an organization and someone in a position of leadership took the time to tell you that they appreciated your efforts. Don’t you remember how good that made you feel and how willing you were to work that much harder and longer for that leader and organization? I am sure you can recount several instances of this.
I am also sure you can remember the many times you were chastised, yelled at, belittled, ignored, isolated, or demeaned about how you were poorly performing, made a mistake, or even how a task was not completed when it was through any fault of your own. You probably were upset, maybe a little depressed, spent some time collecting your thoughts, and spending time slowly building yourself up. Imagine how much of your organization’s and personal time were wasted in this process.
I have failed too many times in my life to count or remember, but I do remember a leader who took the time to thank me for my efforts on a specific project that fell apart miserably. While the project was not completed because of events that could have never been predicted or planned for and were outside of our control, it meant so much that this one person took the time to be positive when I was sure that so many were waiting for a tongue lashing or firing that they were expecting. This leader then took the time to provide some of his similar failures that he had to endure. At that moment, I knew I was in a great organizational culture and was willing to take on the next project that came my way. I came in to work the next day ready for whatever would be thrown at me because of a positive comment that one person said.
Take a moment, before the end of the week to thank the people that work so hard around you: subordinates, athletes, teammates, coaches, leaders, support staff, and anybody who is involved in your professional lives…which also includes those who help you take on your professional life: spouse, children, family, friends, mentors, and those you interact with. It only takes a few seconds and will not only change how they feel but will create a better culture and environment for those you encounter.