Make Me Feel Important: The Power of ‘Thank You' in Leadership

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Stay tuned for more blog postings from Mary Kier.

This brought to mind a pearl of wisdom uttered by cosmetics giant, Mary Kay Ash -"Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, ‘Make me feel important.'" It is no big secret that a key leadership trait is honing the ability to make people feel important and appreciated. Not only will drawing positive attention to contributions engage people, but it will also help retain their talent, and drive performance higher.

With employees taking pay cuts, furlough weeks, and generally doing more at work with less resources, it is critical to remember to show appreciation. Some studies have shown that saying thank you is even more important in retaining people than paying them more money. Plus, a pat on the back is free.

Here are some creative and inexpensive ways to show your team you appreciate their efforts:

• Give a personal recognition award. As detailed in his autobiography, the CEO of Yum Brands, David Novak, gives his own light-hearted gift - a set of chomping dentures with legs - as recognition of leadership.
  
• Set aside a particular day to show appreciation. For example, set aside the first Friday of every month as employee appreciation day.
  
• Pay attention to people. Say good morning. Ask people how their weekend turned out. Ask whether Sarah won her soccer match. Practicing simple courtesy is a powerful tool.
  
• Provide opportunity. People want chances for career development. Create a program that provides opportunity for employees to shine in an area unrelated to their current role.
  
• Support them in volunteering. Create a committee to let employees represent your organization at civic and philanthropic events. This way of saying thank you will spread warm fuzzies around the office, and the larger community.

The ideas listed above are just a few ways to show appreciation. Stretch your imagination in how to say thank you! Doing so will bring you success in employee motivation, employee recognition and in building a positive, productive workplace.

Recommended Reading:

The Education of an Accidental CEO: Lessons Learned from the Trailer Park to the Corner Office by David Novak and John Boswell