We all like to be acknowledged, but for thousands, even millions of employees, such recognision never happens.
From one day to the next, there are no positive messages for their contribution - yet as their boss, you can do this - and it will pay untold benefit for your business, organisation and, of course, you and your people.
Encouraged by the recognition, Sarah Lewsiton went home from work that day, full of self-belief and wonder that she had made the leap at last.
In her last job, she had always felt that she was unsuitable, in fact below par, for the place. On her very first day at this new job, it was different. On the very first day, her supervisor had recognised her in a way that no-one had done before.
At 17, she had gone into the workplace ready to conquer the world. A positive girl, she had never understood that her hard work, unstoppable enthusiasm and keen willingness might not be enough.
At the last place, where she had worked for nearly two years, they had, subtly, yet consistently, knocked that out of her, through criticising, embarrassing and slighting her.
So much so, that she had changed to be cynical, sceptical and sarcastic. In the end they had to part, badly, and it had taken a few weeks for Sarah to build the courage to go for another job.
Yet on the very first day in the new place, someone had made her day, just by saying two little words - 'Well done'.
In life, especially in our busy workplaces, there sometimes seems to be no time to say, 'Well done'.
Yet we all know how it feels when we are on the receiving end, just as Sarah did. It costs nothing, except a few moments and a bit of focus - but it makes the world of difference.
For Sarah Lewsiton, tomorrow would be another good day, because the culture was naturally supportive, encouraging and enlightened. And her place of work would come to benefit over the years she would stay.
She would contribute more, become a great team player, work well when delegated to and have simple, yet constructive ideas about how to take the business forward.
Two little words, 'Well Done' - that's all it takes.
©2006 Martin Haworth is a Management Coach. He has more at his website, http://www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com>Coaching Businesses to Success. Martin recommends http://www.cbmall.com/?storefront=mphcoach>CBMall for the best in online information.
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