Want your team to take off? Then make sure you understand and execute on the checklist…Below you’ll find a description of the fourth of five checkpoints identified in the course of my experience with a particularly high-performing team. In case you missed the previous ones, click on the link at the bottom of the post to see the others.
4. Sincere Appreciation for Sacrifice
Working until late in the evening, preparing material into the wee hours of the morning, long difficult team meetings…..yes, this team was no exception to the “grunt work” associated with most worthy causes.
However, what was remarkable was that leaders and members took time to recognize each other for worthy contributions. No trophies, certificates or cash prizes are needed, just sincere and relevant gratitude that recognizes the specific contributions and impact made by team members.
It’s not just the task that is important – but how it moved the “bigger picture forward” (impact) that gives context and real value to the appreciation. This can take many forms…it can be as basic as a sincere “thank you”, one-on-one time with the team leader, or as far-reaching as a team member having the privilege of presenting their content to a senior manager.
It doesn’t take much to get a big “thrust” out of this lever.
- Part 1: A Worthy & Inspiring Cause/Vision
- Part 2: Senior Level Commitment
- Part 3: Positive Leadership
Picture: www.acclaimimages.com
This is forgotten so quickly! The trick is to find out what works for each individual. For most of us, it’s not all about gift cards and trinkets.