Imagine this scenario. There is major deadline to be met. It is so big a challenge that people will have to go way over and above what is expected to them if the end result is to be achieved.
You are part of the team who really puts in a lot of extra time and effort. You are sure that your managers and leaders are going to be ecstatic at what was achieved. The deadline is met. You wait to hear the thanks, the praise, receive the recognition and plaudits.
You wait a bit longer and still nothing. Eventually you start to get annoyed and frustrated and saying how that will be the last time you bust the gut to deliver.
Sound familiar?
The reality is that it is not uncommon for managers to ask for people to pull out the stops and take it for granted. It is really easy to get focused on the next challenge, right?
Sadly too many managers forget about the positive impact of acknowledging. It need not be over the top. A simple thank you will go a long way and yield big returns. How long would it take you to do that?
Acknowledging people makes them feel appreciated. It sends them a message that what they are doing is recognised. It builds trust, respect and loyalty. It increases motivation.
We all recognise that a highly motivated individual is going to deliver better service and performance. The team benefits, the customer or client benefits, the organisation benefits.
And the great thing is that all it requires is a little investment of time.
So what are you going to start to do to make acknowledging people and their efforts a priority?
It does not have to be huge, just get started and you might just be surprised in the difference it makes.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants, business and other professionals who are struggling to manage effectively to get great results through others. He invites you to sign up for his free management mastery course.
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.