Stressed?

A little stress can improve performance, a lot of stress can ruin motivation, communication, health, relationships and productivity. 

How stressed is your team?

Turns out there is a disconnect between how stressed we think others are and what they are stressed about.

Idea of the month:  Check-in with the team individually and ask them if they are stressed and about the cause.

• Asking shows you care.
• Asking about the source of the stress allows you to take action or at least offer support.

click here to see an infographic about stress in the workplace. 

Spoiler alert - those 5 squats every hour that I am so passionate about - really do help.

Is your door really open?

When a managers says, “my door is always open” it is meant to offer support, encouragement and assistance.  In reality your door is not always open, and you are not always available.  You might be behind closed doors helping someone else, walking the floor checking in, travelling or even out for lunch. 

How can you deliver on your promise of support?  

Schedule time for spontaneous meetings. 

The benefits:

When you schedule time you can focus on the conversation better and they can come to the chat prepared with questions or issues.

You are also signaling to your team how important they are by suggesting a casual meeting. 

When they feel valued – they perform better!

Motivation

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last.  Well neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily”    Zig Ziglar.

Ever wonder what rewards others use to motivate their teams?
According to a recent customer service survey, gift cards are the used most often.
Gift Cards - 63%
Traditional Recognition Programs – 56%
Peer-to-peer recognition programs – 35%
Time-off awards – 34%
Merchandise Awards or Certificates – 33%
Small Cash Awards – 21%
Dining Certificates - 19%
Travel Awards - 1%
 
What’s an engaged workplace worth to you? 

Another important part of a Manager's job...

... is to remove obstacles.   What is your team most frustrated about? 

1. Is there a pricing glitch they encounter daily?
2. What about something in the physical environment that is repetitively obnoxious?
3. Or maybe it’s something they need to wait for your approval for that slows down their workflow.

Dealing with a frustrating situation over and over again can be aggravating.   Wiping out that obstacle can build your credibility and improve employee engagement.

What's the plan?

A goal without a plan is a dream.  So quit kidding yourself and make a plan.

Need help?  

Email or call me, I'd be pleased to help you make your goal actionable. 

Wishing you a focused and happy new year,  Ann

Seasons Greetings

As a thank you for your business this past year, I have made a donation to the USO.

 

I wish you abundance, happiness, and peace in a new year filled with hope.

Happy holidays! 

Ann  

Happiness at Work

You all know that I am a big fan of positive feedback and catching people doing the right things at work.

I came across this software that makes it easy to reward the behavior you want to see more of and thought I would share it with you.  (I am not affiliated with the company or the software, I just liked the concept)

Click to be directed to their website.  www.youearnedit.com

Not too late to put it on your list for Santa!