When was the last time your people received genuine encouragement?

Not just a simple “thank you” or “great job”, but a sincere “I appreciate all you do”, “We wouldn’t be here without you” or “I’m here for you, what can I do to help?”

Encouraging your people takes a little more time to think it through, but nothing goes farther in keeping your team engaged and committed to your organization.

People who feel that their leaders are in their corner, working to make their jobs both easier and fulfilling, and believe in them will endure challenges in the workplace and be better partners in the vision.

Throughout the 1990s Bob Nelson wrote a series of books of “1001 Ways” that were designed to meet the needs of employees through energizing and rewarding them. The need to engage and encourage our people is as great if not greater now than then, but the premise hold true: leaders need to build their people up in order to create effective team synergy.

Is there someone who needs to be encouraged, energized, and equipped on your team today? How can you make the difference in that person’s career if you connected to their needs and gave them a boost?

Make it a point throughout each day to encourage your people that you believe in them.

(image: morguefile)