Giving Of Yourself For The Holidays
The holidays are upon us, and you're wondering what you can do for you staff in these lean economic times. As a smart leader, you want your gift to convey your message. The best gift is one that is matched to the needs and desires of the one it's for, not a one-size- fits-all token. Don't know what that is?
One way think about this is to look inside yourself. What could your boss do that would really show how much you are valued? In "Love 'Em Or Lose 'Em: Getting Good People to Stay" (Kaye and Jordan-Evans), the authors offer retention strategies. Here are some gift-giving ideas that will tell your employees you care.
- HONORING PASSIONS
Over a cappuccino, cup of tea or glass of wine ask:
- What is your idea of a perfect day at work?
- What is your personal definition of success?
- What do you love to do? At work? Outside of work?
Brainstorm and commit to helping them build more of what they love into their workday. Take notes and read them back. What did you both learn about his or her values? How can you put that to use?
- ACKNOWLEDGING FAMILY
- Ask employees how they could better balance work and home.
- How would they like to acknowledge their family life?
- An employee might want to bring a family member or pet to work one day.
- Possibly, they would like to have a group work event that includes family.
- Perhaps they would be pleased if you invited their family to dinner.
- OPENING DOORS
- Brainstorm an opportunity hit list with an employee about growing, learning, and stretching in some new way.
- It might be someone in the organization that he or she would like to meet.
- How about seeing and learning about another part of the business?
- Provide the introduction, open the door to the possibilities. You not only show your appreciation, but you also create a link within the organization.
- THE STARRING ROLE
- Give an employee the chance to lead a project you've set aside for yourself. (You know which one!)
- Offer the spotlight, defer, mentor when necessary. Both you and the employee will likely learn something new.
- A WISH COME TRUE
- Ask the employee to write down six ways he or she would like to be rewarded. Anything goes. The only rule is that half of the ideas have to be low cost or no cost.
- Pick three of the rewards and set a date to chat.
Special occasions throughout the year are a time when the right gift can double as a custom-built retention strategy. The ROI of time and energy is the promise of building a more productive and fulfilling workplace while increasing your own team's commitment and loyalty.
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