Are You Grateful for your Team?

I had an interesting experience over the weekend...

I was visiting a very busy restaurant with the family when my daughter noticed how the managers made it a point to thank the team behind the counter for their hard work and gave them encouragement in what was certainly a stressful situation (the food smelled REALLY good and the patrons were all hungry - a recipe for stress!)


Lauren poked me in the ribs and said, "Did you hear those managers? They're really encouraging the employees - just like you talk about all the time..."

First of all I'm thrilled that she notices the stuff I talk about relating to businesses and what I do when I work with business owners. Beyond that I thought about how as leaders in our companies it is too easy to see all the things that go wrong and therefore focus on the negative. But how much better do we all feel when our efforts are recognized and we are given encouragement during the difficult times in our workday? Without that encouragement our Team will begin to feel unappreciated and assume (rightfully) that we aren't grateful for their efforts. Of course not every day is going to go perfectly and there are going to be mistakes. Yet by focusing on LEARNING from mistakes rather than finding mistakes our Team gains confidence, they know we are supporting them and they sense our appreciation for their efforts AND the results.

Do customers and clients of your business see and hear the appreciation you have for your Team? Could one of your customers hear your grateful comments as my daughter did at the restaurant? Remember, your Team takes on your persona so if you are not grateful for your team will your Team be grateful for your customers...?

Hmmmmmmm......

P.S. Lauren was so taken by the managers' work with the Team that she introduced herself to the restaurant manager, was asked to fill out an application - and then was interviewed, given orientation and hired that afternoon!