What is the most important thing you can do to fully engage your employees?

1.  Make certain they understand why their work is meaningful and confirm how they are personally fulfilled in their career with your organization.

2.  Sincerely appreciate them.

Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to reinforce #2.  Suggestion:

1.  Go to a stationery store and buy nice, funny Thanksgiving greeting cards for your direct reports.  Buy for quality because it reinforces a sincere message, not based on price.

NOTE:  Buy them only for your direct reports.  Set the example this year and your managers can thank their people in a similar way next year.

2.  Handwrite a brief note thanking them for being on your team and reminding them of one specific thing they did recently that you really appreciated.

3.  Place it on their desk late this evening or early tomorrow morning so they may read it without you present.

4.  If they thank you for the card, then just smile and say you really appreciate them being on your team.  Wish them a happy Thanksgiving.

5.  If they do not thank you, and some will not, then ask yourself what you are doing wrong in leading that person which would lead them to behave this way.  The lack of thanks is a leadership issue first, and an employee issue second.

Have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving overflowing with laughter!

Be an Intentional, Systematic, Servant Leader.


Success With People, Inc.
MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

MEETING IDEAS

Never miss an opportunity to remind your people how much you appreciate them.  What could be better at Thanksgiving than to say, "Thanks!  You're awesome..."   I outlined one approach to saying "thanks" above.  For a team meeting, I suggest a research project. 1. Receiving #1.  Ask your employees, when was the last time they received a compliment from a coworker or their boss?  Why were they thanked or appreciated, and what was said? 2. Giving #1.  Ask your employees, when was the last time they complimented a coworker or their boss?  Why did they thank or appreciate them, and what was said? 3. Receiving #2. Ask your employees, when was the last time they received a compliment from a client?  Why did they thank or appreciate you, and what was said? 4. Giving #2.  Ask your employees, when was the last time they complimented a client?  Why did they thank or appreciate them, and what was said?  You cannot do everything yourself.  Develop a culture of gratitude and it will help you retain great employees and clients.   If you need help, contact me.