The key to appreciation is to make it personal and meaningful.
Someone mentioned to me how a manager facilitated a pitch-in as a team thank you. Having your team do the work of appreciation is the equivalent of asking them to pat themselves on the back. It’s empty and meaningless.
A practice I love is from a business owner who keeps a list of her team’s favorites and interests.
The best appreciation isn’t last-minute. It’s thoughtful because you’ve truly listened to them and know what’s important to them.
You know their interests, values, and goals.
🌱How can you invest in their goals?| This could be a book, paid access to a course/workshop, or a tool to help them hone their craft.
🌟How can you help them reenergize? | This could be a paid time off, paid access to an event/spa, or a tool that supports a hobby.
💗How can you encourage them? | This could be a card with words of appreciation recognizing specific efforts, skills, or traits.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or do any of this.
However, it’s the leaders who go the extra mile to appreciate their team that make an impact.
You don’t build a business. You build people, and people build the business.
Zig Ziglar