The trick is in looking through all of the expectations, all of the process and all of the mundane, ordinary effort to find the gems. Look to see someone who has outperformed his or her co-workers. It's easy to find it. All you have to do is stick your head out of your office on occassion. You just have to go looking for it. The difficulty will always be in summoning up the honesty to say something out loud when you do see it.
I addressed a group of supervisory personel this week. These guys, all guys, have an easy time pointing out the mistakes of others. As I said, anyone can do that. It requires zero skill. I helped them see the real responsibility of their positions: recognizing and encouraging outstanding behaviours and results. I want to now recognize these fellows, they see their responsibility now. Good job to all of you.
If as a boss, you have a difficult time recognizing the positive contributions of your people, let me explain it another way.
Your job, as boss, is that of a team sports coach. (Pick your favourite team sport and substitute with my hockey analogy). At the end of each and every game, there is an announcement of the Three Stars of the game. Even though it is a team sport, and there is a winning team and a losing team, the outstanding contributions of a few individuals are recognized and publicly announced.
It is that simple. Every day on the job is game day. Every day there is a star player. Recognize your stars publicly and in front of the rest of your team. Do it publicly and do it often. Just make sure you look around for the contributions of all of the team. Don't play favourites. That will backfire.
Gretzky wasn't always chosen as a game star. Sometimes the rookies made it to star status. Recognize the efforts of all of your players and watch their contributions change.
Kevin Burns - The Chief Instigation Officer of Laugh-Long Learning!
1-877-BURNS-11
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