If I ask a group of leaders what would happen if they neglected to add oil to an expensive piece of machinery, more often than not someone will say “ the machinery will seize or breakdown.” It’s interesting that people recognize that machinery needs maintenance-- that oil needs to be added to produce optimal results and that regular maintenance will add life and performance to almost all mechanical devices.
And yet…when it comes to people, we fail to recognize this basic principle. Performance is enhanced by regular maintenance. In machines, it means cleaning, lubricating and adjusting. In people it means loving, affirming and tailoring.
Now I imagine an almost collective gasp at the use of the word “love” in discussing the performance of people. Yet I know too that all great leaders recognize that employees need to “feel a little love” from their leaders. Every employee wants to hear his leader tell him that he is doing a good job, that he is valued, that he is likeable and that he has something to offer. It’s strange though that many leaders are quite stingy when it comes to dishing out the love.
They’re doing the job I pay them to do, one leader says to me. Why should I compliment someone for doing the work they’re supposed to be doing? There is a feeling that if the job is not exceptional than is should not be recognized.
Leaders sometimes fail to realize that people want to be noticed for what they do and that the very act of noticing causes the employee to pay attention. After you provide an authentic compliment, it’s easier to plant a seed about what else you’d like the employee to do. For example, you might say, Rick, I appreciate you getting that job out on such a tight timeline; it really made a difference and we hit our service target. I imagine that you’ve got some ideas about how we can improve our project management—if you would, I’d like you to think about it and share your ideas with me tomorrow. Will you do that?
At this point , Rick is likely happy to share.
So leaders, remember to oil the machine. Give people a little love. Let them know what they are doing well even when you wish they would do more. Start by making them feel good about where they are now so that you have the influence to stretch them further. Try it consistently for a month and I guarantee you’ll see improved performance.
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