Slap Their Backs!When I entered high school, I went out for the water polo team. The head coach was a former All-American swimmer and knew the game of water polo like a professional. But, my sophomore team coach was the head baseball coach who had never played water polo and couldn't even swim! In fact, it was his first year coaching water polo as well. Not a promising start to my aquatic sports endeavors. As the season began, we learned the basics and began to gel as a team. I liked our new coach and started asking around about his background. His varsity baseball teams consistently went to the league and Southern California finals. He held the league record coaching the most wins. His players loved to play for him and performed above and beyond their ability. Many of his former players were on scholarship to major universities and several were playing major league baseball. As our league water polo games approached, the intensity increased. Our baseball coach seemed to be getting the best out of everyone on our team. We were beating teams ranked much higher than us. We rose from a pre-season ranking of fifth to second in our league. Only one team stood in our way of winning the league championships. That final game was awesome. We beat the best and went on to celebrate the victory. It's The Coach That Counts As I look back on those memories, I never realized what made us succeed. We didn't have raw talent. We didn't have the experience. It was our coach. Every day he came up to each player, slapped them on the back and complimented us. He made us want to get better, improve and win. He always talked about our possibilities, never our failures or mistakes. He never yelled or talked down to us. He made us feel good about ourselves. He constantly reminded us that we can be the best only after we decide to be the best. As I manage my leadership team and employees, my natural tendency is to try and fix their problems. It is so easy to find fault with their work. It is too easy to criticize and wish people were as accountable, responsible and hard working as you are. Have you ever wished your people would change? We hope others change while we don't change ourselves first. People Want To Do More Just as our sophomore coach changed every one of his players, you can change the people in your organization. All it takes is a regular slap on the back. 92% of people who leave companies state that they haven't ever received a word of praise or compliment from their boss. 97% of all people said they world do more if they were recognized and appreciated on a regular basis. Think about your project or company goals. You can't do it alone. You need staff, suppliers, subcontractors, managers, foreman and workers to get the job done. They all want to do a good job. The simplest way to get what you want is a slap on the back to those who make it happen. Recognition System That Works My recognition system is basic. I try to recognize everyone who works for me at least once every week. I use a checklist to make sure that I don't forget anyone. I try and use these two straightforward praises: "Thank you for ......" "I appreciate you ........". One on one, face to face appreciative comments work best. When I am out of town or busy in meetings, I often take time to write short notes of encouragement and appreciation as well. I am pleased to see these notes proudly posted on people's bulletin boards for weeks. It is amazing how a little kind word goes such a long way. If I can't see someone, I leave a voice mail telling them how much I appreciate their hard work. Any praise and recognition is better than waiting for the perfect time to do it. With customers, suppliers and subcontractors I try and send hand written thank you notes of appreciation on a regular basis as well. This keeps them excited about being on our team. It also tends to get them to go the extra mile for us when we really need them. Who is on your thank you list? Who should you recognize for their work? How often do you praise your staff? When do you tell people you appreciate them? Remember my coach. He took a bunch of regular guys and turned us into winners with a simple little gesture on a daily basis. He didn't know how to do the work. He didn't know how to play the game. He didn't even know if we were doing the plays correctly. He only knew how to turn people into winners. Go slap someone on the back! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- George Hedley, owner of $100 million construction and development company and recipient of the nationally recognized "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. He also owns HARDHAT Presentations and speaks to companies on building profitable businesses, leaders and loyal customers. For information or his free e-newsletter, visit www.hardhatpresentations.com or call (800)851-8553. To share your ideas with George, email him at gh@hardhatpresentations.com.. George Hedley Find a Concrete Contractor 24 Services in 221 Metros -- U.S. and Canada © 1999-2012 ConcreteNetwork.com None of this site may be reproduced without written permission |
Concrete Countertop System
Radiant Floor Heating
Free Magazine For Contractors Sign-Up Today!
Concrete Admixtures
Foundation Repair
Countertop Mixes & Training
Concrete Crack Repair
Basement Wall Repair
Concrete Products & Training
Concrete Homes
Training By Bob Harris
Polishing Machines & Tooling
Concrete Floor Stains