Nursing

Make recognition and everyday event

Nurse Leader Weekly, February 17, 2004

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Nurse Leader Weekly!

Now that a new year has begun, most organizations take time to thank employees for their hard work over the past year.

Although group celebrations have their advantages, the best recognition for employees tends to be individualized and personal. Take time to add a personal touch in thanking your employees this year. This can be as simple as sending an individualized note to each employee who directly reports to you, thanking him or her for the specific contributions and achievements he or she made over the previous year.

Try working sincere thanks into your daily activities on an ongoing basis. For example, make it a habit to greet people and give them your undivided attention. If that is not possible, tell them you are distracted and would like to get back to them when you can better focus on them, your conversation, and their needs.

Direct eye contact and a simple smile go a long way to communicate to others that they are important to you. These techniques also help them to answer the question: "How are things going?"

If you are in a bad mood, say so. By providing a disclaimer, it helps to explain why you might seem on edge, so others will be less likely to take your mood personally.

Find some strategies to buffer your reactions when things go wrong. Take some time before reacting, ask for information or clarity or the opinions of others, or take a break and leave the building for a few minutes. These tactics can all help give you perspective in a tough situation and keep you from crushing staff spirit.

When someone leaves the office at the end of the day, say good-bye, and thank them for their effort that day. It's a simple courtesy, but one that employees note and value.

Remember: the small things can make a big difference over time with the people who play a big role in your success.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Nurse Leader Weekly!

Most Popular

Related Articles