I work a full time position with a national corporation as well as operate Surprise Arrivals. So as with most of you out there, my days and evenings are planned out to the last minute. In today’s business world, we are always under pressure to perform and ensure top quality of our product and services. To say we live stress free would not be true.
I strive to ensure that I take the time to show my staff that they are appreciated for the hard work and dedication they demonstrate every day. I like to send special emails acknowledging someone’s achievements to the whole staff and send a nice card to the person. I also liked to surprise the staff with special lunches or their favorite snack left at their desk with a thank you note.
As I stated, I thought I had been doing a pretty good job of showing my appreciation to the staff until today when I had a conversation with a staff member. It was made clear that I was not making the staff feel appreciated. It appears that the past three months they have seen a change in how I was expressing myself and it was not showing them they were still appreciated for their hard work but rather that nothing was right.
It was not that my email or communications were harsh or negative per say, but it was simply always what needed to be corrected or enhanced. They were missing the surprise lunches and special gifts left at their desk. I had gotten so wrapped up in ensuring that our product and services were the best that we could offer our customers, to ensure our continuing through these rough economic times. I was neglecting the very people that were doing exactly what needed to be accomplished to succeed.
Talk about a wake up call, I realize that no matter how hard we try to be successful and ensure our customers are completely satisfied. It is not going to happen without everyone feeling a part of the whole and I had dropped that ball over the last three months with my staff.
Now I have made myself a nice little reminder here on my desk to remember someone every week. I know it sounds bad that I have to make myself a reminder. I wanted to make sure I never dropped the ball again when it comes to paying attention to my staff.
I have sat here all afternoon, working on finding a few new items to ensure I show the staff they are appreciated. I found a few Thank you baskets filled with items that everyone loves here in the office. I have made arrangements so a new basket arrives once a month for the next three months. I have also made a few calls and will have a massage therapist in the office the next few weeks on Monday so we get off to a great week.
Okay, so if I have been neglecting my staff, what have I done at home and with my friends. Time to start correcting my ways and ensuring those most important in my life also know they are appreciated. It is the little actions that have the biggest effect, something all businesses should remember during this time.
So Thank You, my fellow coworkers, family and friends for all you do for me, for all you do for the companies and for bringing me back to reality.
