'Tis the season to give. And finding the right gift to give the people on your team can be challenging. Oprah Winfrey once said, "It doesn't matter what the thing is; what matters is how much of yourself goes into the giving, so that when the gift is gone, the spirit of you lingers." This is especially true for leaders. When you give of yourself you build character and credibility both for you and your organization.
Below are ways you can give this Christmas that won't put a dent in your budget.
1. Acknowledge people everyday. A colleague of mine, Wayne Sellers, greets everyone with a handshake each morning. That few minutes he spends encouraging his staff is much more beneficial than one more cup of coffee or answering the emails waiting in his inbox. Too many people to make that work? Divide up by departments and appoint someone to be the morning greeter for each group.
2. Recognize important dates. Birthdays and company anniversaries matter. Add dates to your outlook calendar or palm pilot then set a reminder. Everyone likes to be recognized on their special day. And they will be impressed that you remembered.
3. Include people in decisions that affect their department. Listen to their concerns. Be open to their input. If it directly affects their department and you don't have their buy in, the decision will most likely be ineffective anyway. Even if it is a mandatory policy, let their voice be heard. Sometimes just venting their feelings is enough to get people on board.
4. Acknowledge their work. Be specific about the things they do well. A simple pat on the back or hand written note can be powerful at building an employee's professional esteem.
5. Leave your door open. This radiates an open door policy. When people believe they can come to you with any problems, issues or concerns, you open the door to know exactly what is going on in your organization.
6. Give people creative freedom. A team full of people who problem solve and brainstorm only your ideas will create a stagnate organization. Let them think 'out of the box' and watch your organization grow.
7. Be human. Admit when you make a mistake. Laugh at their jokes. Share stories about your family. People need a leader they can relate to.
You may be thinking a few of these 'gifts' are obvious. Perhaps you already give several of the 'gifts' on the list year. Or maybe you found a few new ones for your shopping list. At the core of all of these gifts is you. Whether it is the eleven gifts on this list or any of 100 others, give yourself this holiday season ? and make it a habit the whole year through.
Holly Powers (Holly@KevinEikenberry.com) is passionate about working with Clients in her role as the Client Development Princess for The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://www.kevineikenberry.com). She is also the editor of Unleash Your Potential. Go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com to subscribe.
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..What follows is a bold statement, but sometimes it takes... Read More
Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its... Read More
Being appropriately dressed is essential in making good impressions in... Read More
"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out... Read More
Always include a powerful signature on every email you send... Read More
The Internet is a fast growing medium, trancending the personal... Read More
There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More
Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious... Read More
Most people wish they read more. It is an activity... Read More
Here are ten things that you can do to hold... Read More
Do you want to be #1-10 on Google and other... Read More
So how do you eliminate your competition without bloodshed? You... Read More
1. Make a clear, specific commitment to what you want.... Read More
Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More
Creating a website is one thing, making it better is... Read More
1. You have a big goal and you want someone... Read More
The Ten Commandments of Goal Setting While it's good to... Read More
Are you ready for a BASH? Have you ever been... Read More
Here are some simple tips to help you improve your... Read More
This is a quick checklist of a few things that... Read More
With today's technology and people's need for more information it... Read More
Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More
Are you scratching your head after business events wondering why... Read More
Not having a business card is as bad as using... Read More
Are the endless lists of Top-7's and Top-10's taxing your... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..So many people I worked with said they got more... Read More
What follows is a bold statement, but sometimes it takes... Read More
At Macquarie University in the early '90s, three Australian early... Read More
A lot of people are insecure about buying something or... Read More
Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More
There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More
1. Make a clear, specific commitment to what you want.... Read More
Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More
Here are a few ideas to get you started, all... Read More
Here are ten things that you can do to hold... Read More
Who doesn't have issues with organizing their inbox!? I receive... Read More
What is a niche business? A niche business is one... Read More
Networking is probably the best way to build a profitable... Read More
Attraction marketing is about making a customer for life not... Read More
The lack of strong boundaries is one of the chief... Read More
Looking for a manufacturer or supplier of home furnishings in... Read More
Clarity is an absolutely essential ingredient for you to achieve... Read More
Not having a business card is as bad as using... Read More
What is Choice Theory (CT)? CT is a theory of... Read More
As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
Do you run a business that seems to run you?... Read More
Hey, as hard as this may be for you to... Read More
I'm sure you've seen it happen every year: your business... Read More
If you've been thinking of starting a business on the... Read More
Buckling under the weight of chronic corporate restructuring, and frustrated... Read More
Top Quick Tips |