You don't have to wait for a holiday to celebrate what's great about your company. Some applause can doing amazing things for morale. Create an occasion of your own.National holidays provide the chance to reflect on our good fortune. On the Fourth, I hope you took the opportunity to celebrate what's great about our country. But you don't have to wait for a holiday to celebrate what's great about your company. Create an occasion of your own.
Often, in our pursuit of financial happiness, we focus on figuring out what's wrong and what needs to be fixed. Yes, this is important for growing a strong and viable business. But it's just as important to look at what's right and build on the qualities that have made you successful.
Here's a simple system to get you — and your employees — feeling some professional patriotism and focusing on what's great about your company. Distribute questionnaires that ask for your employees' opinion on policies, programs, and even menu items that make you a great company.
Celebrate your greatness periodically at monthly management or staff meetings, or randomly at a pre-shift briefing. It's also a great exercise when morale needs a boost or you've got a grueling weekend shift ahead. Encourage everyone not to make vague platitudes, like "We care about our customers." Try to elicit detailed responses, like "Our 110% program shows our commitment to make each visit perfect."
Tom Peter's advice about employees is to "Catch them doing something right." I say extend that to your entire company and remember the words to a famous old song.
You've got to accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative. Latch on to the affirmative. And don't mess with Mr. In Between.
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