Managing new recruits: Don't patronise, be sincere

If you like this article, well, simply CLAP your hands! ?? ?? ??

Did you know clapping has a powerful positive stimulation from within and those around you? ?? But make sure it's not patronising, rather sincere!

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford

The difference between success and failure is a great team!

I was half way through the C-suite entrepreneurship training for the Retail company which was being attended by 8 top c-suite professionals of that organisation when the question popped up.

The Sr. Vice President curiously asked me, "Ananth, why do you clap your hands when we answer something correctly? I mean, the 8 of us are professionals with over 20+ years of experience each, it's not like we are freshers or new recruits that we need validation, so just curious. Also, why do you explain each time why you clapped, though I have to agree, I have attended 20+ high end intensive corporate training programs in the past 20 years & this is the first time I am seeing so many questions & interactions from my colleagues, so that's a very good sign of engagement & learning"

That was his first question through the 8 hour intensive C-suite training that was planned of which 4 hours had already passed. He was the only one who hadn't asked any question until now, so I immediately clapped my hands again and he smiled

I responded, "Thanks for that question. My job today was to get each one of you to converse with me on things that mattered to you. Entrepreneurship training is not just about the strategies, metrics, pitch, team management techniques. It's also about ensuring that each team member participates one way or another. I always explain why I clapped to ensure that you know the 'clap' wasn't to patronise. As a leader, your job to motivate your team members needs to ensure that you giving a positive feedback or appreciation to your team sounds genuine & it is not just with an intention to tick the box that says, I motivated someone today by applauding. On similar lines, if and when they make a mistake, make sure that you point it out in the right way or else, they will never learn & keep repeating the same mistakes. And that's not good for you or them. The right leader appreciates and corrects at the right time for the right reason in the right manner. Each of you filled up a detailed questionnaire last week and submitted to me before we began today's session right?"

He nodded smilingly and before I said further, he added, "Yes & I had mentioned under mine that I always say, 'great job done' to all my subordinates (majority of who are new recruits due to the restructuring of the entire division) but am not getting a positive connect or response from any of them inspite of that. I wanted to know why", and as he was saying that, he smiled & said, "Aaah, now I know why. I have been clearly patronising the new team members & they have probably seen right through it. I was in a hurry & under pressure to connect & get everyone on board together quickly that I lost the focus that I needed to be sincere"

"Remember, teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability." --Patrick Lencioni

Remember, clapping has a powerfully positive effect as it shows you appreciate something.

See how a child's eyes lit up when you clap. My sweet little 1 year old niece recently gave me this idea. I saw her video and in between her singing she said, "Clap for me" and only after her parents did, she smiled innocently, beautifully and continued reciting & singing.

The positive stimulus of appreciation does not just bring joy to the person in front of you, but it also brings about a positive energy in you as an individual appreciating someone else.

Remember, people who take efforts to appreciate others, that habit, not only makes the other person feel valued, but also helps you empower and enrich yourself with positivity.

It shows empathy, trust and are excellent qualities of a leader

Excellence happens not by accident. It is a process - Dr A P J Abdul Kalam

So go on, tag someone or clap for someone today who has been a wonderful part of your life

Keep growing and stay happy

For customized corporate training programs on team building, time management, leadership, entrepreneurship, digital ROI strategy, eRetail, Lifestyle & Luxury management, marketing management, buyer persona, customer journey mapping and motivation, feel free to reach us here www.ananthv.com/

You can also make an enquiry using our quick contact form link here https://www.techdivine.com/contact-us/

Have a great day

Stay safe and take care

Ananth V

Founder & CEO: Techdivine Creative Services

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