Giving PROPS and the Glorious After Effects

Remember the last time someone in your organization HOOKED YOU UP and you thought, “Wow, that person really went above and beyond for me.  How cool of them.” You said “Thanks” and that was it?  That will be the LAST time you simply said “Thanks” and moved on because soooo much goodness comes from giving extra praise.

Let me explain – Tom Rath and Gallup conducted an analysis, which included more than 10,000 business units and more than 30 industries to find that individuals who receive regular recognition and praise (a) increase their individual productivity, (b) increase engagement among their colleagues, (c) are more likely to stay within their organization, (d) receive higher loyalty and satisfaction scores from customers, and (e) have better safety and fewer accidents. 

Nine out of ten people report being more productive when they’re around positive people.

This means that when you explain to the person who hooked you up HOW MUCH they helped contribute to a final positive result in what you were trying to accomplish, you better believe the next time you need them, they will jump at the opportunity to help YOU before others.

This past week I had a coworker jump through hoops for 2 days to help me accomplish a task for a new big potential client.  Once we finally finished the job, I emailed his boss with a “You should know you have a rockstar on your team because of X.”  The manager was THRILLED to hear about the excellent performance, shared it with his team, and the service level I receive from this group is even better!  All because I took the time to give props.

My challenge to you– This week someone will go above and beyond for you.  It might be someone in administration at your company, a local barista at Starbucks, or a peer.  Write to them or their boss if they deserve the props and feel the glorious after effects of a win-win-win.