27th NRCE E-MAGAZINE | Page 23

Always Recognize the Greatness Around You
Soliciting employee feedback is an excellent step to improving your culture . Still , it means nothing if you don ’ t treat your employees well on a day-to-day basis . One of the most important things you can do to build a winning culture is to always recognize the greatness around you .
When it comes to recognizing your team , here are the basics :
Be specific , be relevant : Recognition is more meaningful when tied to a particular accomplishment or business objective . When recognizing the team , explain what the honor is for . This will help them connect what you are celebrating to the behavior you are describing .
Be timely : Recognition that arrives months after success isn ’ t nearly as meaningful as immediate recognition . The longer it takes for you to recognize greatness , the less authentic your affirmations will seem to employees .
Adapt the recognition to the individual : Everyone has their preference or style for giving and receiving appreciation . Some prefer it to be public ; others prefer it to be more private . Ask them .
Look out for the little things : While it ’ s crucial to recognize significant accomplishments , everyday appreciation can motivate employees just as much , sometimes even more . For example , I send many handwritten notes and use conference or video calls to celebrate significant behaviors or results .
Connect to the bigger picture : Recognition helps team members see that their manager values their contribution to the team and company ’ s success . It helps employees feel secure about their value to the company , motivating them to deliver great work continually . Regularly share news about the company ’ s progress toward specific goals and explain how individual employee successes relate to the larger vision .
It ’ s a Journey , Not Just a Goal
Building culture is a slow , deliberate process . You can ’ t simply scatter seeds and expect fruit and flowers to spring up overnight . The evolution of a great culture requires considerable time and effort .
By placing your team front and center , taking the time to recognize their greatness , and solicit their feedback , you can nurture and grow your culture into one you can be proud of !
27TH NATIONAL RETAIL CONFERENCE & STORES ASIA EXPO 2021 AUGUST 12-13 , 2021 23