Compliments Your Team MUST Hear at the End of the Year

It’s hard to believe it’s already December.  How did the year get away from us so fast? It almost feels like it didn’t happen, but at the same time how could I forget all the hard work and effort my team put in as the days passed and weeks slugged on.  

So whether the hard work you and your team put in produced record setting, average or poor results, burn Nick Saban's quote in your mind:

“Focus on the Process of What it Takes to Become Successful.”

As a leader knowing your team must focus on the process is one thing, but this knowledge doesn’t mean it’s easy for your team to remember it. Here are some things your team MUST hear from you as 2016 winds down that will give you an edge up on the new year:

“Thank You”

The simplest thing you can do is say “thank you.” Often “thank you” has become something we say as a reflex. Make yours specific to the individual and it will be that much more powerful. It can be done in a variety of ways such as a handwritten note or during a one-on-one meeting over lunch.  The thought you put into your “thank you” will say more than the two words alone.

“I Appreciate You”

Brian Parsley taught me that people have basic needs in order to be successful. They need to feel liked, important and appreciated. So often we assume people know how we feel, but actually saying, “I appreciate you.” will ensure people know.

“Your Effort Didn’t Go Unnoticed”

Just this week on the Follow My Lead Podcast, Sam Jones said "overthinking creates confusion, whereas overdoing creates wisdom." Your team is doing, they aren't just thinking and that shouldn't go seemingly unnoticed or unrecognized.  Take the time to acknowledge that you did notice their effort and actions. Your words are not only powerful but needed. I love this story about the Genius at McDonalds.

“You Are the Glue That Keeps Us Together”

There are “stars” of the team and there are the people that make the team work. Often times, we reward those whose behavior directly ties to revenue for the business. We make a huge deal if a sales contract is signed or a new product is created, but we often forget the people behind the scenes who keep the team running. It could be an assistant, a reserve bench player, or an operations person, the people that keep the team together; these people need to be told it!    

“Without You We Would Be a Fraction of What We Are With You”

People often look for greener pastures simply because they don’t understand how important they are to the team.  By telling someone that you couldn’t be what you are today (or what you will be in the future) without them is a huge confidence boost and will keep them from taking that recruiters call.

So whether you had your best year ever or a challenging one, your people need to hear these compliments and words of appreciation from you as their leader.

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John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft and Host of the Follow My Lead Podcast. He is passionate about the development of people. He writes and speaks about modern leadership and learning techniques. You can find him on instagram @johngeades.