FireNuggets , Inc November 2016
employee , the issue being discussed , or both . When the employee is talking , effective listeners are tuned into what ’ s being said and aren ’ t thinking about what they are going to say next . To my male readers : when you and your wife are having a “ dialogue ”, has she ever said to you ,” you ’ re not listening to me !” It ’ s that kind of listening Ms . Jeffries is talking about .
“ Never ask a woman if you can kiss her . Instead , learn to read body language .” Neil Strauss
Maintain eye contact when talking with , ( not to or at ) employees and use positive body language – a facial expression that shows you ’ re interested ; a posture that shows you are actively involved in what ’ s being said . For example , crossing your arms , rolling your eyes , or looking upwards or out the window , is a sub-conscious way of saying that you ’ re not interested .
Link recognition to performance . Vague or condescending recognition ----“ you ’ re a life saver ; thanks for being here ; I don ’ t know what I would have done without you ” is ineffective . People want to be recognized for something that made a difference for other employees , their department , or both . Recognize them in their work place — in the classroom ; at their work site ; at the fire station ; on the production line . “ Performance should be acknowledged in varying degrees , in proportion to the task ,” Jeffries says . Be consistent in the nature and type of acknowledgment . Reward the employees the same way regardless of their age , gender , position or “ status ” in the organization . In other words , treat everyone the same !
“ The worst mistake a boss can make is to not say ‘ well done .’” John Ashcroft
Respond quickly . Recognition , to be effective and meaningful , must be given within 48 hours of the task that was completed . Jeffries says that it ’ s preferable to do this at the start of the next day ’ s business . If legitimate reasons preclude this , make certain the employee ( s ) know why and that means you must communicate to them the reasons directly , not through an intermediary .
“ The worst mistake a boss can make is to not say ‘ well done .’” John Ashcroft
By Firefighters , For Firefighters ! 6 of ! 34