Teamwork and the face of your business!
I often keep my office door propped open as I welcome co-workers dropping in…
Yesterday our Institute’s janitor stopped by after lunch today to say hi and to wish me a good day. I chatted with him a bit and towards the end of the conversation I mentioned the handwritten recognition note I had seen posted about him downstairs in the management office of TMAC. It was written by a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt student who had been at ARRI for training the week before…
“I don’t know if you have an employee recognition program, but I want to make you aware of someone that I think does a great job. That person is Ricky. I have been on your campus four times now, and have noticed how well the facility is maintained. The restrooms are kept clean and refreshed (including a checklist). I notice that one person is doing all of this work – Ricky! My hats to Ricky, he is doing a great job for you!”
Ricky’s immediate response to me was that he had also written a letter to support the submission of this student’s comments. He went on to explain that although his accomplishments were being specifically recognized, that it was “his team” that deserved the compliment. He is part of the greater team at the University of Texas at Arlington and at ARRI and his team won as a result of this student noticing Ricky’s quality of work!
Can you believe that? Reflect on the last time you received direct praise – did you immediately push your ego aside to aggressively share it with all of your other teammates, whether they knew it or not? Or did you bask in the glory of the success of your hard work? Think about it. I consider myself a HUGE team player – but the last time someone complimented my specific accomplishment, I said thank you, felt great and moved on to the next mountain to climb!
Also, take a minute to reflect on the face of your company or organization… who or what is representing you publicly when you least expect it? Remember that negative experiences spread like a wildfire in summer! Just the smallest “bad” experience can begin a negative sway of public opinion. A crabby telephone customer service representative, a salesman who says “No!” without really hearing someone’s question or a grungy back stairwell that a customer uses as a shortcut…. these seemingly small occurences can have huge effects, if they are shared with others.
Do you have a “Ricky” improving the perception of your organization or company? I sure am glad we do!
#1 from Deborreh on December 16, 2008
Little work is done in a vacuum. I find that respect given usually results in respect received. That’s how I like to nurture and develop work and personal relationships. It’s alot about the little things…Also most of the career success I’ve experienced is deeply rooted in the strength of my team members. Ciao!