I try to thank my employees whenever I feel they go above and beyond the norm because I genuinely appreciate them for it. Nothing formal and under no pomp or circumstance but an atta boy after you put in extra effort sure sends us home with a little extra for the day.
Originally posted by Ryanp225: [A]n atta boy after you put in extra effort sure sends us home with a little extra for the day.
Yes, it does—at least for some of us. But in reading this thread I have gotten a better appreciation for why so many people, especially supervisors, are oblivious to that fact. Some people are so stingy with praise and gratitude for jobs well done that one would think that every time they said something nice money was being taken out of their own pocket.
Even if statements of appreciation aren’t important to someone (and which I strongly doubt despite protestations to the contrary), anyone who works with other people, and not only as a supervisor, should recognize that they’re important to some people. They cost nothing, cannot hurt, and can only help our interactions with others.
► 6.4/93.6
Posts: 47949 | Location: 10,150 Feet Above Sea Level in Colorado | Registered: April 04, 2002
My boss or someone in our office always posts a thank you in our messaging system (like Facebook for work) when I run an emergency call or work really really long day.
It's nice to be thanked even though it means nothing.
Jesse
Sic Semper Tyrannis
Posts: 21336 | Location: Loudoun County, Virginia | Registered: December 27, 2014
I love them for a team. For an individual, not so much, but depends....
"And gentlemen in England now abed, shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us upon Saint Crispin's Day"
Posts: 2746 | Location: The Shire | Registered: October 22, 2011
This thread has gone a little better than expected. I figured this might have turned out to be a cluster due to some being too macho to admit that they like the occasional “Job well Done” recognition. It’s just basic human nature.
You see, we do a real good job at bitching people out when things go awry. The attaboys have to offset, or morale goes down the tubes.
I would actually rather GIVE accolades than receive them. I learned to give myself my own butt-pats for a job well done YEARS ago...
"If you’re a leader, you lead the way. Not just on the easy ones; you take the tough ones too…” – MAJ Richard D. Winters (1918-2011), E Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil... Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel." - Isaiah 5:20,24
A simple "good job!" from the right person can be more rewarding than any monetary prize. I am fortunate to have learned this lesson first hand and will forever try to pay it forward.
I would recommend collecting as many as you can. You can sell an accolade. For example, you’re interviewing for a new job...
...I was named employee of the month 5 times in my 3 years there out of 80 employees. I also was honored to receive employee of the year in 2017.
As an interviewer, you’ve got my attention. Someone who sucks does t get accolades like that.
As for me personally, I guess so, it I’ve never really been in an environment where we had accolades per say. Closest we have is an attaboy, and sure they feel good to get. Mainly nice to know someone saw you go the extra mile.
Originally posted by PHPaul: I appreciate being recognized for doing a good job or going above and beyond. Just a word from higher up that they noticed, not a big production.
The "everybody gets a trophy" stuff just annoys the shit out of me.
This is my philosophy, too. I don't have a dedicated place to put all my trophies (hah--I don't have any).
I don't "love" them, but I like to get a pat on the back or "attaboy" every now and then. Sure, some awards or recognition may be rather meaningless, but I would rather be among those who received them than those who didn't. I spent my entire career working for the manufacturer of military aircraft. When the contracts slowed down and the layoffs began, those accolades in my folder may have saved me a job. So, even if not accompanied by money, awards can give you a feeling of pride and accomplishment.
Posts: 11875 | Location: St. Louis, Missouri | Registered: February 04, 2008
Originally posted by jljones: This thread has gone a little better than expected. I figured this might have turned out to be a cluster due to some being too macho to admit that they like the occasional “Job well Done” recognition. It’s just basic human nature.
You see, we do a real good job at bitching people out when things go awry. The attaboys have to offset, or morale goes down the tubes.
I agree. I have employees. I tell them at the end of each day that I am grateful for their efforts and time. It's not an artificial act either. I truly am grateful they dedicate irreplaceable life force to my produce. When the time comes for correction or worse, the 'conflict' is brief and the relationship endures as a rule.
You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier
Posts: 29997 | Location: Norris Lake, TN | Registered: May 07, 2008
I make sure to let my employees know when they do a good job. As far as myself, I know if I did a good job and while it sounds nice when someone else recognizes it I don't need it.
Posts: 3593 | Location: God Awful New York | Registered: July 01, 2006
Meh, who cares. We did a huge change in investment options for our investment plans. Selling off old funds, buying new funds, and making sure account owners did not lose or gain value. Our team did massive extra hours, tons of programming, and tons and tons of testing for MONTHS. When the day came it was pulled off without a hitch. Our thanks was an email sent out to all employees involved giving everyone a "huge shout out" from the CEO. A bunch of good folks quit. They did not take that well and were hard as hell to replace. I didn't give a shit because I like the work, I am paid well with good benefits, and still actually look forward to going to work on Monday.
Like I told my boss, if you think I’ve done something worthy of praise then give me a bonus or a raise. He has agreed with that sentiment and every now and again I get to enjoy a little extra in my paycheck.
Laughing in the face of danger is all well and good until danger laughs back.
Posts: 500 | Location: Oklahoma | Registered: July 08, 2017
