A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way

"I can live for two months on a good compliment." - Mark Twain

Can you live for two months on a good compliment? If not, maybe at least a few weeks, right? For something that costs nothing and takes little time, compliments seem like a pretty convenient method of compensation.

I know that I, personally, work harder, faster and more effectively when I feel appreciated. All it takes is a small 'thank you' here or 'good job' there. The little stuff gives me the fuel to keep pushing forward. As it does with most employees.

However, for some managers, compliments are one of the hardest things to dish out. After all, when there's a stack of papers 10 feet high under that paper weight on your desk, three calls coming in simultaneously and two employees knocking down your door, 'thank yous' are the last thing to cross your your mind.

So put down the phone and email for 1 minute. Keep a stack of company thank you cards or brightly colored sticky notes on your desk and then take the time to write a quick appreciative note to one employee every day. During a break go ahead and stick the note on your employees desk or computer monitor.

The message could be as simple as this,

"You did a great job preparing for the presentation today. I really appreciate the effort!"

or

"Great work on the ____ account. Your expertise on ___ is what helped secure the sale."

Employees will notice the recognition and unlike plaques and awards given out once a year, subtle appreciations can keep the momentum all year 'round.