Holiday recognition? Make it an everyday event.

• Author: Nelson, Bob
• Position: Rewarding Employees

Now that the holiday season is upon us, most organizations take time to thank employees for their hard work over the past 12 months in helping the organization be successful--or at least survive--yet another year. This organizational "thanks" is often the basis and rationale for an awards banquet or a department or companywide holiday celebration.

While such a group celebration has its advantages, the recognition that is most valued and remembered by employees tenets to be individualized and personal. Take time to add a personal touch in thanking your employees as the year draws to a close. This can be as simple as an individualized note to each employee who directly reports to you, thanking each one for his or her specific contributions and achievements over the previous 12 months.

I once did this for a group of 17 employees who reported to me. It took me about an hour and a half to draft the notes, and it gave me a chance to reflect on all the achievements members of my team had made. To me it was a simple, practical way to acknowledge their efforts; but, to most of them, it was much more. Two of the employees were so touched by the gesture they cried.

Better yet, try working sincere thanks into your ongoing daily activities. For example, make it a habit to greet people as if you had all the time in the world for them, even if this only takes a couple of minutes to do. Give them your undivided attention and if that is not possible, tell them that you are distracted and would like to get back to them when you could better focus on them and their needs.

Do you light up a room when you enter it or when you leave it? When you walk into your office in the morning, think of it as though you are stepping onto a stage. The audience is those individuals who work for you. Direct eye contact and a simple smile go a long way to communicate to others that they are important to you and help them to answer the question: "How are things going?"

If you are in a bad mood, say so! By providing a disclaimer, it helps to explain why you might seem on edge so that...