Relay for Life

Leading us Through the Wilderness

The Personal Record that Wasn't

Simple Solution with Amazing Payback
 

Leading us Through the Wilderness
By Steven L. Anderson, Ph.D., MBA

“The Viper is coming, the Viper is coming!” yelled the terrified youth as he stormed out of the hallway and through the throng of stupefied onlookers.  Seconds later another tenderfoot appeared screaming the same declaration, “The Viper is coming!  The Viper is coming!”  As I looked down the hallway I could only wonder in amazement what the heck was so scary and when would it be here.  After several more seemingly terrified youngsters departed the hallway in a similar fashion a figure appeared in the doorway wrapped in toilet paper from head to toe.  He was tossing a full roll of toilet paper up and down in his hand and then he said, “I’m the Viper, anybody want a vipe?”  This was greeted with choruses of laughter by the delighted Boy Scouts sitting in a semi circle in front of the doorway.

This small story is one of a thousand vivid memories of one of the most influential and rewarding experiences of my life, scouting, which was led by an equally influential leader, Joe Dollman.  (continued)

The Personal Record that Wasn’t
By Steven L. Anderson, Ph.D., MBA

I was coming into the final stretch of the 5K race knowing that I was running the best time I had run in about ten years.  My legs were pumping, my heart was pounding, sweat was soaking my whole body, but I felt great because all of my hard effort was about to pay off.  I could see the clock at the finish line and I knew I was going to finish in less than twenty-one minutes, about two minutes faster than I thought I would run. 

I experienced this joy on a recent Saturday morning.  This race was part of a 1900 mile training regimen I had set up with my daughter, Julie, to help her attain her goal of running in the Ohio State High School Cross Country Championships next fall.  We have trained all through the winter.  We have run in snow storms and in zero degree temperatures.  It has been very painful at times, but deeply rewarding.  It has built a close bond between Julie and I that transcends our goal of running 1900 miles together this year.

But my elation about the aforementioned race was short lived.  (continued)

Simple Solution with Amazing Payback
By Nancy Quinn Rummel, ACC

Why are we so reluctant to give employees praise?  We know it’s one of the top five things employees want. We know that “thank you” are two of the most powerful words in the English language.

One manager recently said, “If I praise them, then they’ll know they do good work and they’ll ask for a raise.”

Not only does that show a lack of respect for employees, it also shows a total lack of understanding what motivates people. Especially in a down economy, most employees want appreciation for peace of mind. They know money is tight. They want some assurance that they are important and their employment is secure.

What type of appreciation do workers want? Research consistently shows that employees do their best work when they are routinely thanked in person, face to face. Also, public praise is very powerful. Handwritten notes are effective. Thanking people by email should be a last resort. Employee of the month programs generally are rated as too impersonal.

Find specific actions to appreciate. Notice the routine duties that are done well and employees will know that you notice their regular work, and they will feel more valued. Their loyalty increases.  What else can you do?  (continued)