Womans-Corner
Articles and Information for Working Women and Family
Special Needs Children

The advice contained within these articles is offered for your consideration by Lisa Simmons. You, as a parent or professional, must decide whether any of the ideas presented here should be implemented in your unique situation. The staff of the Ideal Lives Project encourage all site visitors to always utilize this information in a manner that is respectful and in the best interest of their child, student or loved one.

Inexpensive ways to say Thank You!
by Lisa Simmons

As managers we all know from "Supervision 101" that it's important to reinforce our staff -- to let them know when their doing a good job.

Unfortunately, all too often in the rush and race of getting everything done we quickly fall into the philosophy of "no new is good news". If I'm not telling them what they did wrong, then they know that they're doing OK.

I would like to encourage everyone who reads this message to make an early resolution and spend the next month saying “Thank You”. It doesn't need to be time consuming and it doesn't need to be expensive -- let me show you how and THANKS for making an effort!

1. If you really want to do it right -- then do it write!

Take a few minutes each day and jot a personal note to one or two staff members about why you value their work and what contributions you feel they have made to the team effort. Before the months over, you should have a personal note for each staff person that they will treasure far more than an expensive but impersonal gift.

2. Let everyone join in - Create a "warm fuzzy" box

Set up a mailbox slot or container for each staff member and position them where the entire team can get to them. Then encourage each staff member to write on a slip of paper just one or two sentences about what they admire in each of their co-workers.

At the next office party make sure that everyone gets their own warm fuzzy box to keep as a memento of all they bring into the lives of those around them.

3. Take a sweet approach

Buy a couple large bags of candy (lifesavers & chocolate kisses or something that symbolic for you). As you walk around and observe your team members in action, catch them doing what they do best.

When the always reliable staff person shows up on time, thank them for being so dependable and give them a piece of candy. It's may sound simple, but you'll be amazed at the smiles you reap in response!

4. Create a Team Angel

Purchase an inexpensive pin or button. Something that will make your team members smile. Take the first step & "AWARD" it to someone you catch in a random act of kindness. Tell them to wear the pin in good health and then pass it on when they catch another "team angel" at work.

Not only will this encourage everyone to actively engage in the "team spirit" it will create a sense of "team" & closeness within your staff.

5. Create a “Wall of Fame”

This one takes a little more planning, but you may be able to "cheat" by going through photos taken earlier in the year if your team does that on a semi-regular basis.

In recognition of the outstanding job your team does all year round, create a photo collage on the main bulletin board where lots of people can see it amd comment on it. Make sure the photos catch your people in action -- doing what they do best!

6. If you joke about getting buried in paperwork -- then bury some gold . . .

Take a few of those ever present post-it notes, jot down notes of thanks and acknowledgment. Then, when the coast is clear, hide the notes in amidst the piles of paperwork.

One warning - Be sure they are hidden high enough in the stacks that they will be found before a new year rolls around!

7. Lend them your ear

Bring in some donuts or some homemade goodies and give your staff your undivided attention for one hour. Don't allow any interruptions if at all possible and let your people know that not only are they important to you, but that you care enough about what they have to say to put everyone else on hold during this hectic season and focus just on them!

8. Invite the brass

If you have a responsive upper management then encourage one or more of your top managers to drop by informally (read for no other purpose) and express their thanks and appreciation to your staff.

9. Stand in their shoes - literally!

Nothing means more to many staff than knowing that you understand exactly what they face each day. If you have a relatively small number of staff then consider letting each staff person select a day to leave early (even an extra hour can be valuable) while you fill in for them.

Not only will you give them an unexpected bonus hour to take care of other priorities but you will also convince them in the most honest way possible that you are willing to do anything you ask them to do.

10. Go public

If you don't mind spending a little bit of money, consider taking out an advertisement in the local paper. Include a group photo of your team and comments from yourself, families, anyone who appreciates your staff, and all they do. They may be self-conscious about this type of public recognition, but few will be able to help themselves from clipping it out of the paper and tucking it away in their memory boxes.

All of these ideas take some time and effort on your part, but consider where you would be without the people that show up and do the job day in & day out. Don't they deserve a little cheerleading from the coach!

All My Best,

* Note: If you should discover a broken link within the above article, please contact the Author and inform them of the problem. Thank you.