We never get tired of recognition. No matter how important or successful human beings become, we still warm to those who single us out for our contribution, effort and achievement. It’s why everyone but Woody Allen turns up for the Oscars. It’s why a board member from a Fortune 100 company chased me down the corridor at a recent conference saying “You forgot my Chapter leader ribbon”. She was wearing a brooch that wouldn’t look out of place in the window of Harry Winston, but without a polyester signposting of her status and commitment, she felt distinctly underdressed.
The faculty of the Robert H. Smith School of Business here at the University of Maryland College Park know the value of noticing and praising effort and action. They teach undergraduates from the millenial generation, to whom recognition and feedback is particularly important. Our Professors say ‘good job’ and’ thank you’ and ‘keep at it’ a lot. On the staff side of the house, my own boss is also very good at positive reinforcement and thus our office is a very generous and supportive environment in which to work.
OC Tanner has built a business on people’s need for recognition and reward. One of their goals is to drive an appreciation in appreciation. Orange is my favorite color and, as a carrot top, I was naturally drawn to the OC Tanner booth at this week’s federal Training Officer Consortium Annual Institute in Ocean City, Maryland. (Digression: Yes, I was at a government conference. No, there were no prostitutes, or lavish meals or any other signs of ill-advised spending of public funds. Sorry to disappoint) The company’s sunfire set-up showcased their best-selling book The Carrot Principle which encourages bosses to point up the successes of their workforce rather than their slip-ups, arguing that high morale results in high productivity and new heights in creativity and innovation. They provide 125 ideas for attagirls and attaboys that take very little time and effort, and often cost nothing but a little thought. They advise us to be as specific as possible with our praise and thanks–the general “great work” can be very patronizing, the important thing is to show that you noticed someone’s contribution and can explain why it mattered.
Frequent, specific, timely
Got a problem employee? Just look for some small action that demonstrates the kind of attitude or performance you want to see and take a moment to praise it with no ifs or buts. Short of money? Just take a moment to talk with people about what’s important to them in life and at work and show them that you value their values in your organization.
The OC Tanner people know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to praise. Not every employee responds well to cheer leading, they agree, but they throw down the challenge that imaginative bosses ought to be able to find an appropriate way to say thank you–and to win the hearts and minds–of all their team members. Got a hard worker who always volunteers to pick up the slack at weekends? Send them home with movie tickets or a gift card to treat their kids. At a team meeting, ask people to pat themselves on the back by sharing one thing they did well in the last week at work. We work with students and know food is always welcome: circulate coupons for free cookies in someone’s special honor and have everyone gather for the sweet stuff. Make a ceremony out of the sugar rush.
The Carrot Principle people are trying to lead an Orange Revolution and know that saying thank you doesn’t come easily to the pacesetters and perfectionists who set the standard in many organizations. To encourage those of us who are quick to purse a lip and curl an eyebrow they have produced a delightful Appreciation Starter Kit. This contains a selection of thank you cards and a range of buttons to share with colleagues who make their numbers–or otherwise make your day. Messages include Wowing on All Cylinders with a picture of a truck. Well done branded on a supersized steak, and one that says OOOH AAAH and shows fireworks in full burst. I defy you not to smile when you see them.
My own thank yous for today: To the man at the car dealership who fixed the front tag to my car for no charge–the trouble you took to wipe the bugs off my bumper and to make sure the tag hung straight and secure was excellent service. The surly man from whom I ordered the tag holder at the weekend told me I’d have to pay extra if I actually wanted to use it. Thank you for getting past that. You were wowing on all cylinders.
To Alexandra at the MVA, thanks for your patience and perseverance in the testing matter of our missing FR-19. I’m glad we got it resolved and pleased to have found a new neighbor. It felt good when you reached your hand over the MVA counter to shake mine. Applause, applause, applause.
To Greg at the Smith School. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from the carrot people and everyone else at TOC. And thanks for the opportunity to drive home from the Eastern Shore on such a beautiful day. I’ll be back at my desk tomorrow. A Team.
