As managers we all know from "Supervision 101" that it's important to reinforce our staff -- to let them know when their doing a good job. But unfortunately, all too often in the rush & race of getting everything done we quickly fall into the philosophy of "no new is good news". If I'm not telling them what they did wrong, then they know that they're doing OK. I would like to encourage everyone who reads this message to make an early resolution & spend the month of December saying "Thank You". It doesn't need to be time consuming & it doesn't need to be expensive -- let us show you how & THANKS for making an effort!
1. If you really want to do it right -- then do it write! - Take a few minutes each day & jot a personal note to 1 or 2 staff members about why you value their work & what contributions you feel they have made to the team effort. Before the months over, you should have a personal note for each staff person that they will treasure far more than an expensive but impersonal gift.

2. Let everyone join in - Create a "warm fuzzy" box for each staff member & position them where the entire team can get to them. Then encourage each staff member to write on a slip of paper just a1 or 2 sentences about what they admire in each of their co-workers. At the Christmas party make sure that everyone gets their own warm fuzzy box to keep as a memento of all they bring into the lives of those around them.

3. Take a sweet approach - Buy a couple large bags of candy (lifesavers & chocolate kisses or something that symbolizes the holiday spirit for you). As you walk around & observe your team members in action, catch them doing what they do best. What the always reliable staff person shows up on time, thank them for being so dependable & give them a piece of candy. It's may sound simple, but you'll be amazed at the smiles you reap in response!

4. Create a Christmas Angel - Purchase an inexpensive holiday pin or button. Something that will make your team members smile. Take the first step & "AWARD" it to someone you catch in a random act of kindness. Tell them to wear the pin in good health & then pass it on when they catch another "Christmas angel" at work. Not only will this encourage everyone to actively engage in the "holiday spirit" it will create a sense of "team" & closeness within your staff.

5. Create a Wall of Fame" - This one takes a little more planning, but you may be able to "cheat" by going through photos taken earlier in the year if your team does that on a semi-regular basis. In recognition of the outstanding job your team does all year round, create a photo collage on the main bulletin board where lots of people can see it & comment on it. Make sure the photos catch your people in action -- doing what they do best!

6. If you joke about getting buried in paperwork--then bury some gold - Take a few of those ever present post-it notes, jot down notes of thanks & acknowledgment & then hide the notes in amidst the piles of paperwork. One warning- Be sure you make sure they are hidden high enough in the stacks that they will be found before Christmas!

7. Lend them your ear - Bring in some donuts or some homemade holiday goodies & give your staff your undivided attention for 1 hour. Don't allow any interruptions if at all possible & let your people know that not only are they important to you, but that you care enough about what they have to say to put everyone else on hold during this hectic season & focus just on them!

8. Invite the brass - If you have a responsive upper management then encourage 1 or more of your top managers to drop by informally (read for no other purpose) & express their thanks & appreciation to your staff.

9. Stand in their shoes - Nothing means more too many staff than knowing that you understand exactly what they face each day. If you have a relatively small number of staff then consider letting each staff person select a day to leave early (even an extra hour can be valuable at this hectic time of year) while you fill in for them. Not only will you give them an unexpected bonus hour to take care of other priorities but also you will convince them in the most honest way possible that you are willing to do anything you ask them to do.

10. Go public - If you don't mind spending a little bit of money, consider taking ourt an advertisement in the local paper. Include a group photo of your team & comments from yourself, families, anyone who appreciates your staff, & all they do. They may be self-conscious about this type of public recognition, but few will be able to help themselves from clipping it out of the paper & tucking it away it their memory boxes.

Granted all of these ideas take some time & effort on your part. But consider where you would be without the people that show up & do the job day in & day out. Don't they deserve a little holiday cheerleading from their coach!

Copyright 2000, Lisa Simmons

Lisa is the director of the Ideal Lives Project, providing practical support for special needs families & professionals. Visit her on-line at http://www.ideallives.com or subscribe to her free newsletter at mailto:ideallives-subscribe@topica.com