The Vital Component of a Happy Team

What is one thing you can do today to cultivate an engaged team and a great culture... people who, when Sunday evening rolls around, can't wait to get to work the next morning?

Did you know that Gallup, in their book, "It's the Manager" found this: 70% of success for businesses long-term is the effectiveness of those at the supervisory or management levels to lead others to have healthy relationships, build trust, create collaboration and hold others accountable?

In a healthy relationship in business and personally, you know where you stand with that other person and both parties feel that they are on a path moving them toward what is important to them. You feel connected and that what you are doing is meaningful.

The secret to achieving all of this is affirmation. Ford Taylor, founder of "Transformational Leadership," teaches the key differences between affirmation and flattery. Flattery makes it all about you. You are hoping to manipulate someone, get on their good side and/or get something that you want. Affirmation, on the other hand, is about them. You are serving and honestly appreciating someone's effort, without worrying about getting credit or giving away control or power.

Some tips for becoming a great affirmer:

-Look them in the eye

-Say "thank you for..." not "I want to thank you for"

-Be specific about what they did well and how it was of value

-Be completely honest

-Don't "slip in" a little credit for yourself

-Make sure you discern whether they prefer affirmation publicly or one-on-one

Practice today! Affirm 3 people in the next 24 hours, be it your employee, coworker, your son or daughter or the local barista. Be honest and specific and watch all of your relationships "magically" change for the better as you build trust and teams that can go through anything together.

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