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The Home Field Advantage
March 05, 2010
Ask any athlete and they will tell you they prefer to play in their home stadium or arena. Why? Well, it’s obvious: the fans, the cheering, the familiar territory…what we all call the home field advantage. When we root for our teams, we cheer for every little thing each player does well ... the great assist, the perfect lob, the 15-yard run. Players root on their teammates after each successful play with high-fives and encouraging words. Cheering is the defining sound of most sporting events.
But when we translate cheering to work, it is actually easily misunderstood and most are unclear on how to do it. First, let’s define what it is not: it’s not just saying “Great job!” every day. It’s definitely not handing someone their pay stub every pay period. It’s not even being upbeat and generally positive all the time.
Wednesday Appreciation: Reinforce The Credo
March 03, 2010
Does your organization have a formal credo, vision or values statement? Do all your employees know what that statement is and what it means to your department? If they don’t, talk about the statement in your next recognition celebration.
For example, “I wanted to gather to recognize Julie today. One of the Values we really believe around here is Teamwork. And nobody epitomizes that better than Julie. Just last month, I was complaining about not being able to get the information we needed from accounting. So Julie set up weekly meetings with our contact over there. I know I speak for all of us when I say things are vastly improved now, due to Julie’s Teamwork.”
Recognition ceremonies are communication opportunities. A perfect time to reinforce what is most important to you and your organization.
Lego Language
March 02, 2010
Does your language build up your people?
Own the Podium!
March 01, 2010
The Olympics just ended and the US and Canada set records for medals. The US won the most medals ever in a winter game and Canada won the most Gold medals ever but one country in the Winter Games.
Canada had a slogan for the games, “OWN THE PODIUM!” And when you own the podium they play your national anthem. I will admit I am a proud Canadian I love hearing the anthem of my country played. I also live in the US and I love that my adopted country won so many medals!
Every Great Team Needs a Grinder
February 25, 2010
I am a hockey fan. I LOVE hockey and I really love to watch Olympic hockey.
Last week I was in Vancouver Canada for the Winter Games and I went to four events—the luge and three hockey games. My only regret is that, when we were at the luge, a spontaneous hockey game didn’t break out!
Say it Like it Is
February 24, 2010
Want to know five really effective ways to communicate with your employees? That’s the focus of this month’s newsletter. Check it out here. And if you have a great communication idea or suggestion that works for you, with us! If we publish your story, I’ll send you your very own Garrett the Carrot!
Wednesday Appreciation: Don’t Take Them For Granted
February 24, 2010
The news is less than earth-shaking, we know: How you treat employees during a down economy seriously impacts how they will treat your company when it rebounds.
Sure, it’s not surprising, but it is something to think about, given the recent revelation by the Wall Street Journal that 40 percent of workers have strong negative feelings about their jobs.
Plan for the future today, by re-energizing your employee recognition program. You’ll be glad you did.
What’s In It For You?
February 22, 2010
Do your team goals reflect the impact you have on the company as a whole, as well as the team personally? Goals should be far reaching and if they’re not, your results may be less than stellar.
In highly productive teams, everyone knows how they are connected to the larger goals of the company. Knowing this helps people feel connected and also drives home how what they do every day impacts those goals. Great managers also find a way to make team goals personal. It ties everyday effort to the organization and individual in a very powerful way. When both are in play, the engagement and results soar! Here’s an example of this in play:
Wednesday Appreciation: Take In A Show
February 17, 2010
As a team reward, take everyone to an inspirational movie (anything with Denzel might do) on a Friday afternoon and then send them home early. Throw in some popcorn and licorice.
Playing hooky is always easier when the boss is along for the ride.
In Praise of Praise
February 11, 2010
I had a great interview last week with Susan Adams of Forbes. Check out her personal story of two very different bosses and why she knows praise matters.
podcast
Station Casinos Conducts a Survey to Discover Where Recognition Has the Greatest Impact
January 27, 2010
Here’s a question: Will a recognition program have a greater impact on a highly engaged team or a struggling team? I was fortunate to spend some time with Station Casino’s Valerie Murzl, Corporate VP of Human Resources and Training, to discuss her company’s efforts to implement a Carrot Culture in her casinos. Listen to this and then tell me you wouldn’t want to work at Station Casinos—I dare you!
The Coolest Pet Store in the World!
August 10, 2009
This is an interview I had with Matt Davies from the Pets At Home chain in the UK. They shoot for OUTRAGEOUS customer service and it shows!
Interview with Gladys Tillmon and Janet Baker, VPs of Learning & Development, Aflac
February 16, 2009
Have you ever wondered the difference corporate training can make? In this case, Aflac takes it to a whole new level with customized corporate training focusing on the organizational brand and strategy. Chester sat down with Janet Baker, SVP of Corporate Learning and Gladys Williams-Tillmon, Vice President of Corporate Training to learn what makes Aflac executives so anxious to promote training and how a culture of appreciation is separating them from the competition.
Interview with Ted Priestly, Men’s Head Soccer Coach, College of the Holy Cross
January 12, 2009
Chester visits with Ted Priestly, former head coach of twelve years for the UMass Lowell River Hawks. Ted explains the difference it made for his team when he picked up a copy of The Carrot Principle and started implementing individual recognition. Ted credits The Carrot Principle as being a driving force to the team’s winning season which led to his acceptance of a head coach at Holy Cross starting Fall 2009.
Interview with Dan Cunningham, Chief People Officer, New York State Office of General Services
December 07, 2008
Dan discusses why an appreciation culture is valuable in tough economic times. He discusses the importance of using appreciation to retain top performing employees. He also discusses how many people who attended the training were initially skeptical about how this could help them, then witnessed the dynamic change as they saw the value of using appreciation in their leadership roles.
Interview with Ray Blanchette, CEO of Joe’s Crab Shack
October 26, 2008
Ray Blanchette, CEO of Joe’s Crab Shack restaurants shares the secret sauce in Joe’s recipe for excellent food and customer service and his company’s focus on making Joe’s a great place to work.
Interview Susan Baranowski, VP of HR, Jones New York
October 05, 2008
Chester visits with Susan about their ongoing training efforts to implement a Carrot Culture, from the executive team’s mental shift required to bring in a recognition program, to the certification workshop at Carrot HQ in Salt Lake City to implementation leading to decreased turnover, higher engagement and increased productivity.
Interview with Tom Garrett, President and CEO, Arby’s Restaurant Group
May 18, 2008
Tom shares some innovative ideas from Arby’s appreciation practices and why they are so appreciation oriented. He also highlights some of the specific benefits he has seen from the direct link between the employees he’s serving as President and CEO and the customers that they’re caring for and they’re serving.