Leading With Appreciation: 2x Managers think they do vs. Employees who agree


Welcome Back, Reader

Do Your Employees Feel Appreciated?

Or do you just think they do?

"There are two things people want more

than sex and money: recognition and praise."

- Mary Kay Ash, Founder of Mary Kay, Inc.

While most everyone would like a raise or bonus,

that monetary incentive is quickly forgotten.

Appreciation doesn't have to cost anything.

It can be as simple as a sincere 'thank you'... verbally or written.

The problem?

"While more than 80% of managers THINK

that they are providing their team with recognition for good work,

only around 40% of employees agree."

--according to ebn 'Employee Benefit News'

"Focusing on informal, frequent recognition from managers

is more impactful than formal awards."

- Dr. Bob Nelson

It's why those company end of year awards aren't as meaningful.

Praise loses its impact when it doesn't occur close to the event/accomplishment.

End of year - even quarterly awards - are not timely and often not personal.

Maya Angelou had it right... it's all about how you make people feel.

When appreciation comes right after you did a good job, it means a lot more.

When appreciation comes directly from your boss or your peers, it feels more personal.

Why should you care?

"When asked what incentives, besides pay,

would drive hourly workers to take a new job,

56% said greater recognition and rewards."

- 2024 State of the Hourly Workforce Report by Legion Technologies

Not sure HOW to show appreciation that will be meaningful?

It's as easy as asking them!

Find out how your team prefers to receive recognition before planning a big, public shindig.

There are many people who would find this mortifying, rather than gratifying.

While others would prefer a big team announcement over a pat on the back.

In most cases, a handwritten note is the most meaningful.

I know so many people who have kept that note in a place they'd see it often.

Asking your team about their preferences around recognition has an added bonus.

It shows that you value them enough to want to know.

This action alone is a way of showing appreciation that they will remember!

“One of my greatest realizations is the importance of fostering a culture

where every individual genuinely feels valued and supported.”

- K. Craig Kent, MD. CEO of UVA Health

Reader -

It doesn't take much time or effort. You really can make a difference in even the smallest of ways.

📩 Sometimes you need an outsider looking in

to help you see what's going on right in front of you.

When you, or your organization, are ready to focus on leadership development,

and building a culture of appreciation,

I'm here and ready to guide you on that journey. 📩


Speaking of Communication...

An easy - and fun - team building discussion is discovering your own communication style, and realizing that not everyone else is the same style. (This is why the golden rule doesn't always work!)

Download this free quiz. Give it to your team and have fun guessing and uncovering each other's unique communication style.

My teams have loved this so much, they've taken it home and made their families take it, too!

Reader,

REPLY and let me know how your team discussion on Communication Styles went! 📩


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Wishing You Success,

Stephanie Weiss

Your Empowered Leadership Coach

P.S.

I welcome your feedback and your ideas for future topics.

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Hi! I'm Stephanie, founder of the Empowered Leaders Academy.

Guiding newer corporate leaders to transition from doer to boss - offering coaching, training & group support to help you build an extraordinary team along the way! Sign up for my newsletter, join an upcoming live event, apply to the community, or get 1:1 coaching.

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