Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Keepin' it Real


Every year, about this time, for about 6 years now, we along with close family friends head to the local pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkins. While the kids run havoc in the field, and the husbands catch up on each others' renos, a sailing trip, vacation plans, the two of us "moms" search for pumpkins. Both with a similar design sense our idea of perfect pumpkins is hardly the classic variety, we go for the white ones, green ones, lopsided ones, the grouping of 4-7 that will sit on our front stairs, a display we believe Martha would be proud of!
In the grocery store this week, I saw rows of plastic pumpkins- they were orange, large, and already carved!- for just a moment- a mere minute max, I daydreamed about purchasing these pumpkins as the thoughts of "ahhh it would be easy- no slopping through the mud, no cleaning out the guts, no guilt for composting the guts instead of making a pie- shhh don't tell Martha! Then as quick as the dream occurred I came back to my senses, shook my head and left the store- with only groceries.
I realized what I like about the real pumpkins is not only that they are real, but the joy, memories, and overall fun experience- mud and all- my pumpkin patch adventure brings me, my family and friends.
I also like real cheese- the older the better, real black and white movies as they were made instead of coloured, real Christmas trees, real thank yous that come from the heart not the wallet, a real fire roaring in the fireplace, and of course as most of you already know real recognition for real employees and customers.
Share with me your real must haves in your life.

Really, 

Janet






                                                   photograph compliments of mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving- Celebrate the Good in Your Company



Peer-to-peer recognition is among an employer’s most powerful, cost effective tools for engaging
employees. When employees are actively encouraged to notice and appreciate the behaviors of their
colleagues that contribute to the company’s success you as a leader will create an environment that
is guaranteed to excite, inspire your team to give their best every day.
Being nice, doesn’t’ mean being a push over, soft or vague. To be clear being nice and smart and
having fun is easier than you think.
Here are 7 easy and free tips you can start today
• Be specific in your appreciation. "Thank you for ensuring our deadline was met." "Thank you
for staying late to finish the proposal, the client loves it." The message shows you
noticed, and care.
• Thank immediately. Make it easy for yourself by having a few thank you cards on handan
extra effort detail vs. an email.
• If you do use email to show appreciation, cc the CEO, or manager outlining how the
employee's effort helped the company. Again, you will be seen as a team player.
• Smile with eye contact.
• Today, visit face to face all the people who report to you. Tell them one great thing they
do to make your job easier.
• When you see a colleague who looks confused or overwhelmed, don’t walk by. Engage
them. Ask how you can help.
• Start a daily act of Kindness campaign either just for yourself, or better yet with your
team, or entire organization. Track the results in a journal, blog or online community.
As a leader you must first look at your own behaviour. Show your daily appreciation and watch your
team environment become stronger as people happily, enthusiastically carry out your goals.
Recognition done right doesn't take a lot of money, it takes listening, creativity, and the ability to say
thank you.
“Think of giving not as a duty, but as a privilege.” John D. Rockefeller

Share with me more easy, fun, and effective ways you show your appreciation.