Performance Compliments

Posted by Joni Rose Apr 16, 2006

A dear training and development colleague of mind relayed to me a message her mother told her about interpersonal relationships and performance management, "If someone does somethiyng nice for you, say 'Thank You', if you make a mistake say 'I'm sorry'". It is a simple message but it is amazing how many leaders forget this simple philosophy when managing the performance of a team.

Thankless work can lead to burn-out, stress and high turn-over. If you want to motivate your team and build a climate for open communication, you need to be conscious about recognizing outstanding work and admitting when you've made a poor decision. Trying to be super-human in front of the troops is a lose/lose proposition. You lose as it is difficult to maintain perfection and your team loses because they must work in fear, hide mistakes and fly under the radar to live up to your super-human standards. Admitting mistakes helps to keep things into perspective and foster a problem solving climate.

One workshop closing exercise to help make the point about the value of positive feedback is to ask participants to write one compliment about each of their fellow participants on an index card. Then place the cards in an envelope with the participant's name on it. In the end, each participant can read the compliments they have been given by their fellow participants. These envelopes can become great pick-me-ups when you or your team members are having a bad day.

Both team members and leaders need to remember that an "I'm sorry" or "Thanks" supports a harmonious, happy work environment.