Showing the love

A friend often asks you about yourself and your broader world. Though sometimes uncomfortable there is something you appreciate about it. They also call you on your birthday, arrange to catch up for coffee or lunch occasionally and actively help out when you need an extra set of hands. My guess is you will like that person, enjoy their company, and would also help them out. You would also be more likely to take on any constructive feedback they had for you.

It’s a simple yet often overlooked concept in the workplace.

When managers take time to say hello to their people, show an interest in their broader world, ask how they can support them better, help out when they can, and appreciate their efforts either in writing or verbally; all these small gestures and more communicate the person is valued.

Team members sense they are viewed as significant humans, not just as workers or a mere cog in the wheel.

And these small expressions of interest can happen in the smallest of moments: whilst making coffee, at the water cooler, walking onsite and showing an interest in the person’s work, via email or check-in phone calls and so forth.

It’s so easy to be focused on tasks to be completed, that we forget about the actual person doing those tasks.

When managers show the love, they are more likely to have a workforce that enjoys their work a whole lot more, does that bit extra, and takes constructive feedback in a much more accepting way.

Plus, they will feel the love in return.

Ray

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ray@rayhodge.com.au; www.rayhodge.com.au; +61 403 341 105

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