One of the easiest ways to inspire higher performance levels in people is to ‘catch’ and ‘acknowledge’ them for doing something RIGHT!
Often leaders are focused on the GAP—on things that aren’t going well, on the problems. They’re always working to CLOSE THE GAP, bring numbers from the RED TO THE GREEN, and drive for RESULTS.
All these things are good – and necessary – to do.
But focusing ONLY the gaps without catching and acknowledging people for DOING THINGS WELL, making PROGRESS, demonstrating a great WORK ETHIC, practicing new SKILLS, growing and developing in their KNOWLEDGE and CHARACTER, etc…
It’s a HUGE missed opportunity.
It’s not about a pat on the back or an ‘atta boy’ (or participation trophies)…it’s about sincerely acknowledging progress, and attempts to step out of their comfort zone and grow.
As leaders, we need to celebrate wins along the way.
This inspires people to:
● Keep working hard and growing
● Be loyal to the mission and the leader they are following
● Contribute more to the mission, their team, and the organization as a whole
● And replicate the attitudes and behaviors you are looking for
I encourage you to start looking for things you can CATCH your team members doing well and call them out for it, in a GOOD way! I guarantee it will encourage and motivate them.