It takes a few seconds, it cost nothing, it increases productivity and moral beyond belief and yet it is not used frequently. "Thank you" is what I am referring to. It is amazing how many managers and leaders don't take the time to thank a team member or a team for a job well done. All it takes, is to walk to someone, shake their hand, tap them
at the back, and say thank you. Some don't do it because they are too busy with other presumably more important stuff. Some wonder why they should thank someone for what they are getting paid for. Isn't sending a paycheck to them every week or two "thank you" enough? Some are afraid that saying too much thank you will reduce its effectiveness. So, they wait for
the big thing to happen or the project to end to say thank you. And then they forget it anyway.
It is only when you see the good things the team does and explicitly appreciate it that you gain the credibility to give feedback on something an employee is not doing well and expect he or she to take it well.
Make appreciating the work your team does as part what you do, not an exception. You will reap the rewards immediately by having a team that is more engaged, energetic, and productive.
