Employee turnover is happening in record numbers and if you want to keep your team together and productive, you must speak the language of appreciation to them. One way to retain employees is through words of affirmation.
Appreciation is the glue that ties performing teams together. Ranked higher than money, people want to feel valued and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to the organization. Being recognized for their efforts makes them feel known and builds relational bonds.
The fuel sources of appreciation aren’t the same for each one of your staff members. According to Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Paul White, there are five languages of appreciation in the workplace.
Their book refers to each of us having our own appreciation fuel tank. If our tank is full, we have the energy and desire to keep going. We feel connected to the team and a viable part of the project.
What fires up one team member to high productivity may fall on deaf ears on another. To bring out the best in each of your staff, of the specifics on communicating appreciation.
If the wrong fuel is put into the tank, the vehicle breaks down.
As a leader in your organization, you can see how important it is to pay attention to the fuel you use for your team. It’s a matter of identifying their appreciation language and communicating your gratitude in a manner that is well received by that individual.
Let’s cover the first of five appreciation languages.
Words of Affirmation
Doesn’t it make your day when someone you respect gives you positive feedback or praise? Praise on a job well done is what many of your team members are needing from you. Don’t assume they know.
Your words of affirmation must be specific. Words like “great job” will not cut it. You must connect your words to the team player’s deeds, like “I really appreciated how you spoke up in that meeting. Your feedback helped us move the conversation forward.“
Specific words of affirmation show them you noticed what they said and responded with how they benefit the organization. Some people are wired to feel appreciation through verbal announcements of their accomplishments, achievements, inner character, or even their personality.
Your Turn: Try This in Your Office
Think of the people that you interact with on a day-to-day basis. Take a few minutes to give each of them some specific words of affirmation. Pay close attention to how they respond to your words.
If your words cause them to light up like a Christmas tree, you’ve just discovered the key to unlocking their appreciation fuel tank.
That key will help create the glue that strengthens the bond of your high performing team.
Learn about how you can compound the power of your team by downloading the 6 Step Team Investment Strategy for Long-Term Profitability.
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There are four other appreciation fuel sources. In the next blog in the series, I’ll share the second language of appreciation.
Understanding the 5 languages of workplace appreciation will increase team performance and help with employee retention. If you’re experiencing the effects of job-hopping or you would like to take some preventative action, schedule a complimentary consultation.
