Contrary to the heavy presence of pink- and red-hearted merchandising displays, there’s still plenty of time to pick up Valentine’s Day florals and sweets for the ones you love. Thanks to the retail world and marketing opportunists, February 14 never arrives without several reminders to demonstrate affection for “the special people in your life”.
But what about the people at the heart of your work life? How is it appropriate to show them you care? The answer is simple: make it about them.
Here are three person-centered–and perfectly platonic–ways to show appreciation for team members throughout the year.
- Say please and thank you
Yes, sometimes it really is this basic. Sure, colleagues deliver because it’s one of the terms of employment, but leveraging the power of your position is best reserved for times when it’s truly needed. The most influential leaders issue requests, not orders, and show their gratitude when others act in service to them. And employees generally want to perform better when they feel recognized and respected.
- Ask questions
Leadership is a conversation. And person-centered conversations include questions. Think about the message that is sent when you earnestly ask someone for their input. They feel valued and significant. It sends the message, “You are important and I want to hear what you think.” In return, answers inform us and broaden our perspective. They help us learn and understand others, building meaningful connections.
- Pay attention
We all know the experience of interacting with someone who is distracted. Whether mildly annoying or outright infuriating, the message seems clear: something else is more important. Instead of putting team members in a position where they feel insignificant or unsupported, take a person-centered approach by removing distractions and staying focused. Even if just for a few minutes, tune in completely. If in person or on video, turn your body and eyes toward them (or your camera), lean forward, move only in response to the conversation. If there’s not a visual component to your interaction, use reflective listening to let them know you hear them: repeat key phrases and check in to make sure your interpretations are accurate.
Any experienced person-centered leader knows the value of retaining valuable employees. Unlike salary adjustments, organizational structures, or other retention strategies, showing we care is quick and completely within our individual control. And it can really be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
