My boomer-buddy and business owner recently said, “People just need to shut up and do their job. I give people enough rope to succeed or hang themselves.” Having grown up in the Darwinian world of restaurant kitchens, I get it. But does that approach get results?
My reply to his assertion: You can either manage people according to the way you think things ought to be, or the way they are. Leadership is the ability to accurately name reality and act upon it. Effective recognition implies talented managers must be skilled communicators. Specifically, they must have the ability to provide daily, constructive feedback (yes, daily!)
“…80% of Millennials said they want regular feedback from their managers, and 75% yearn for mentors” -D. Schawbel (Forbes)
There is no such thing as negative or positive feedback; it’s all just information. All feedback should be constructive and developmental in nature. This requires managers to develop high levels of emotional intelligence and invest in skilled communication.
Two Likely Reasons your Feedback is Misconstrued
1) The receiver doesn’t trust your intention
2) They receive so little feedback that they are not conditioned to process the information constructively
Either way, you, the manager, are on the hook for improving the partnership!
How much company resources does a “thank you” cost? None. Conversely, reflect on this sobering finding:
“…actively disengaged employees cost the U.S. $450 billion to $550 billion in lost productivity per year.” -Gallup
Business economists conclude that managers who master the skills necessary to attract and retain top talent help position their organizations for sustained market victory. And that is why recognition is critical to success.
Keep it Simple. Keep it Focused. Definitely Keep it Inspiring. –Steve