Appreciation, A Key Factor at Work

Now more than ever we need to realize the importance of compassion and gratitude in not only our personal lives but also at work. What do these words mean in a work environment?  Are you able to show compassion to your fellow colleagues and still have bottom line results that make you smile?  Where and how does gratitude fit into the management structure?

As human beings we want to feel valued for the work we do.  An article in Fox Small Business News sites that given the choice, employees leave their job, due to a lack of appreciation.  Not necessarily money.  
So what does it mean to show compassion in the workplace? It is about attention, care and kindness towards your colleagues concerns.  Without getting "soft" in the workplace, compassion can show up in the following ways.

Mentoring Others.  Perhaps it is a new employee who needs your guidance on a project.  It is time and support that you share with others on how to dosomething that will make a difference. Often employees are afraid to admit that they don't know how to do something.  Provide a safe environment for learning. Show them how to do something versus what to do.

Attention to One's Needs. Be attuned to and notice what is going on with your employees.  Take the time to understand your employees needs both on a professional and personal level.  Many times it is one's personal life that impacts their work life?  Be open and have conversations.  Ask them, Where do they want to go in their career?  How can you as a Manager help them on their path to success.  Be curious and show interest.  

Treated Fairly. Employees who put the time in and work hard want to be treated fairly.  A kind word from management showing that their work is appreciated goes a long way.  Employees are not always "best friends" with their managers.  When a manager shows favoritism for an employee who is not pulling their weight, morale is affected.

Positive Engagement. Connect and create a positive team environment where there is support for one another.  Employees want to play on a winning team and feel part of a shared mission.  People thrive in a positive environment. Instead of pointing out what is wrong, start first with one to two positive statements.  Focus on what the employee is doing right and watch performance increase.  

Appreciation.  According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, 39% of employees polled, said that they wanted to quit their job when the work they did was not appreciated. Positive recognition and appreciation reinforces accomplishments and engages the employee to work harder.  A thank you for a being a good employee and part of the organization goes further than a mere pat on the back for a task accomplished.
Compassion is often forgotten but it is one of the key factors that is needed in an organization.  Return to the basics. Include compassion into your management style and remember it can show up in many forms.
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Colleen speaks, trains and coaches organizations and individuals on a New Way to Work.  Focusing on leadership and organizational effectiveness for greater performance impact in ones business and career.  Contact Colleen atwww.colleencassel.com, @colleencassel, [email protected]

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