– By Andrew B Morris
Andrew B Morris
People rarely work for financial gain as their top priority. They might tell us that when negotiating their pay, but they won’t stay if they don’t like their colleagues, our culture, environment or the way they are treated.
In other words, it’s how their work makes them feel that matters.
We can make our people feel very good with very little cost, and just a little thought. Things like:
- A handwritten note of appreciation or anniversary – on a card that is relevant.
- Ice creams or lollies when the weather is really hot.
- Praise in the moment – in front of colleagues (if this won’t embarrass) or privately if this means more.
- Time with us – a coffee, chat or meal.
- A turkey at Christmas – means so much coming from the boss.
- A recommendation if they have a health problem.
- …paying for a consultant if we can afford it
- …and a get well card…
- ….a hospital visit if we know them well enough
- Remembering the names of loved ones and asking how they are doing.
- Suggesting time off if they deserve it or need it – not waiting to be asked.
- Perhaps suggesting what they might do to recharge.
And so on.
Years later, when we reconnect with people who have moved on, the first thing they will fondly recall when they see is not the size of their bonus, but all the little things we did which really touched them and showed we cared.
About Andrew Morris
Andrew is Chief Executive of the Academy for Chief Executives, helping businesses to accelerate growth through better leadership. As part of this role he chairs and mentors a group of exclusive central London Business Leaders in Academy Group 1.
Andrew describes himself as a creative businessman, who enjoys meeting people from all facets of life. His mantra is ‘take your job seriously, but not yourself.’
To find out more about membership to the Academy for Chief Executives contact us on: 0845 118 1028 or at: membership@chiefexecutive.com