Chester Elton

I spoke in March at Michigan’s American Society of Employers Annual Conference. They just published the ASE Annual conference overview and there were some great presentations you might like to look over. I spoke on “Building a Carrot Culture” and shared the stage with many great thought leaders who spoke on everything from social media, dealing with change gracefully, government audits and compliance nightmares and employee law developments (those readers from Michigan might find that more relevant than others!). The conference ended with a presentation by Gerard Van Grinsven, CEO of Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. He spoke on “Building High Performance Organizations” and the challenges facing organizational leaders. Wish you could have been there but this is the next best thing. Enjoy!

It’s happened to me. Probably to you, too. As you watch an award presentation, you find yourself thinking, “What would they have said about me?” And deep down inside, you know you’d really like to find out.

That’s the power of recognition. It affects everyone in attendance, not just the employee in the spotlight. It gets them thinking. And planning. One thing is sure, no one tunes out during a recognition moment.

That’s exactly why it’s the perfect place to talk about your company values. By recognizing very specific employee achievements and showing how they support company goals, you teach employees to think strategically – minus the long, boring speeches. Everything you say during an awards presentation is couched in a very personal, emotionally charged context that goes straight to employee hearts (where a wallet card or newsletter could never go). And the award itself provides the motivation for employees to go out and get it done.

I know it isn’t a real word, but it should be.

There are a lot of good things that can be said about business leaders but being coachable is right near the top of qualifications for a great team player. When you are known to be open to coaching it tells everyone that you are willing to learn and to see a better way. It breaks down barriers and opens up minds to new ideas.

Every great performer knows she doesn’t know everything and is always ready to find someone to help make whatever projects you are working on better. It opens minds and opens doors to better performance.

Being coachable keeps your ego in check and your team engaged.

Coachability, you have to admit it’s kind of catchy even if it isn’t really a word… yet!

Tip of the day: Be open to learning every day. Be coachable and see if it doesn’t make you a better teammate. Hey, I bet you even learn a thing or two you didn’t know yesterday.

Jon Flora tells Chester how he maintains market leadership for his company in a rough economy by improving accountability. Jon explains how an investment in leadership training is promoting great management and employee appreciation among Kroger Company and Fry’s Food team members.

Download | Read the Transcript

Sure, you can buy certificates for your staff. But why? When you can make your own for next to nothing on Thanks.com.
   
All you need is a good printer and paper. Thanks.com is a great web site with templates and tons of easy recognition ideas and gifts.