Heartfelt Recognition Makes a Difference

In one of my leadership positions, I implemented a recognition award for my team. Every quarter I accepted nominations for the winner, who would be selected for their efforts over the previous quarter.

There was nothing special about this process. You have probably seen similar programs at some point in your career. There was nothing special about the award itself either. In fact, there was no monetary consideration, and the award was a traveling trophy. If you were recognized, you were able to keep the trophy on your desk for the quarter, but then it was passed to the next recipient.

What made the award special was public recognition, and the letter which accompanied the trophy. The letter detailed the specifics of why the person was being recognized. It was written in a story format, and the story came from the heart of the people impacted. The stories had impact.

When I reflect on the success of that process, I can see the importance far beyond the award itself. Here are three main benefits we enjoyed.

1. Displayed Sincerity and Authenticity. The awards allowed the leadership team to model sincerity and authenticity to the organization. We researched and validated the activity being recognized to verify accurate representation.

2. Increased Awareness of Great Effort. Since we were not recognizing people just for doing a great job, but for specific actions, the team became more aware of opportunities for recognition. The staff began to learn how recognition within their own team can impact all parts of the organization.

3. Celebrated Shared Values. This might have been the greatest benefit. The entire organization began to develop an understanding of what we valued as a team. It created the culture we desired. It energized the entire workforce.

As I think of the impact of this one simple program, I can’t help but think that everyone must already be doing this. But I have heard from many of you, that it is not true. Many organizations, spend their time on problem solving, and fire-fighting, with little to no effort placed on recognition.

With such a large payoff, how can we ignore recognizing our people? What do you want to change in your organization?

Increase Your Ability to Connect

If you are trying to strengthen a connection with someone, get out of your own head, and get into theirs. If can discover how people spend their time and money, you will learn what they value. If you know what they value, you will have gained valuable insight in how you may improve your connection with them.

It seems like such a simple approach, but all of us live life through our own perspective. You have to intentionally refocus your thoughts to achieve another perspective. Here is how you can apply this simple tool.

1. Understand both time and money. If you want to understand someone, you need to see both aspects. Together they will give you a better understanding. Where do they spend money? When do they pay for premium, and when do they buy just average products (clothes, car, food, etc.)? How do they spend their time at work? How do they spend their free time? When are they the happiest? What activities do they enjoy? These simple questions can give you great insight.

2. Find common ground. Once you feel you understand what someone values, you need to determine what you have something in common. At times this is easy to recognize, and in other cases you will have to dig deeper. Making a connection with someone with whom you share an interest or hobby can be easy. But if you need to connect with someone when you don’t see common ground, you should consider values, ideals, and thoughts. This can be a tougher option to uncover.

3. Take action to connect. How can you meet their need? How can you create a connection based on the shared common ground? This is the action step. You may be able to develop your connection through shared goals, and interests. You might also be able to develop a connection by modifying your behavior to match what they value, in order to build rapport. However, always be authentic, and always maintain your own values. Never become something you are not just to make a connection.

Take a minute and think about someone you know fairly well. Think about how they spend their time and their money. What does that tell you about what they value, and what is important to them?

Now think about someone you want to connect with. Do you know how they spend their time and money? If not, your first step is learning more about them. If you do, then how would you describe their values? Does it give you any ideas on how to strengthen your connection with them?

This is a simple tool, but can be powerful at moments when we struggle to connect!

The 6 P’s Shape Your Daily Success

Last week I had a cold, and didn’t accomplish much. I just didn’t have the energy and engagement that I needed to be effective. But the world continued on as if nothing was different. The cold impacted me and my perspective and not the rest of the world.

It made me realize that whether I have a cold or not, my results are based on how I view and interact with the world. It is up to me to make every day count. So as a reminder to myself I came up with the 6 P’s of making sure I have a great day.

1) Passion. I must love doing what I love. I am driven by what is important to me. I want my day to be driven by passion.

2) Purpose. If today is going to count, I have to know what I want to achieve. I like to define my  purpose and intent each today.

3) Perspective. How does my purpose fit with what else is happening around me? When I have a good sense of perspective I am more effective. Perspective provides me awareness and a positive attitude for the day.

4) Process. I convert my ideas and my plan into results through action. I must proactively process my daily challenges and tasks. I have to be focused on getting work done.

5) Persistence. Life is difficult. I can give up, or I can be persistent. I choose to be persistent.

6) Pep. Being energized helps me be my best. If I am tired, I will not have a great day. If I want to be at my best, I need to have the energy to stay focused all day.

When I make a plan that includes all 6 of these, I will have a great day. A day full of success. No one else can provide these aspects to my life. It is up to me. The responsibility to have a great day rests on my shoulders. So the next time I have a bad day, I know who to blame.

Do you want to explore coaching? From coaching you can expect to get clarity about your purpose and your goals, your action plans, and your follow through. If you want to learn more, contact me and let’s schedule a session.

Help Someone Step Beyond Their Comfort Zone

As a coach, it is very rewarding to see someone expand their belief in themselves.  Then to use their new confidence to go outside their comfort zone, and find a new level of success.

So many people are stuck in their comfort zone. They don’t see a reason to cross the boundary. But the motivation to change can only come from within. It can be very frustrating when we see a friend, a co-worker, or a family member not living up to their potential.

If you are inclined to help a person get beyond their comfort zone, here are three basic steps to consider.

1) Help them define, and bring clarity to their dreams for the future. You may have to draw out a new future for them by asking questions, discovering their strengths, and their passions. Let it be their dream you coax out of them, not the goals you want them to achieve.

2) See them as they could be, not as they are. See them as if they had already accomplished their dream. Treat them as they will be.

3) Help them find wins that move them forward. Leaving the comfort zone can be very difficult. Help them find the first small steps that will lead to success.

If you would like to experience the power of having a coach dedicated to your success, schedule your complimentary coaching session today. Send an email to Mark at mbrown@newroadleadership.com and we can schedule a time.