Boss to Coach for Frontline Team Leaders
The Three Coaching Conversations

Catching People Doing Things Right

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Listen to Lesson 4

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Lesson 4 Conversation 2 Catch People Doing Things Right

The number 1 reason people leave their jobs is that they do not feel appreciated.  A research study from 1946, repeated in 1986 and 2001, asked managers and employees what employees needed from their work.  Employees top need was full appreciation of work done.  A Harvard Business Review article cites research which says the ideal praise-to-criticism ratio is 5:1.

Watch So what does this practically mean?  Watch this video by Simon Sinek on catching people doing things right and its impact

Activity Let’s benchmark what good recognition looks like for you.  On Page 5 of your Boss to Coach Coaching Notes thinking about your work, what is the best recognition you have ever received from your manager?

Catch People Doing Things Right What to say

A 1-1 check in is the most effective way to recognise people.  Three questions to ask your team are

  1. How are you?

  2. How’s the work going?

  3. What support do you need?

Activity Who is someone in your team who has done something well this week?  What did they do?  Write your answer on Page 6 of your Boss to Coach for Front Line Team Leaders Coaching Notes.  Make sure to share this appreciation with them next time you see them.

Catch People Doing Things Right How to say it

The best managers set individualized expectations and give individualized feedback.  Therefore, how do you show appreciation that is specific to someone?  Gary Chapman in his book Love Languages and the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, provides a framework of what appreciation looks like.  Recognition focuses on what the person does.  Appreciation focuses on who the person is.  Appreciate people in the way that they want to be appreciated, not in the way that you might want or in the way that is most comfortable for you.

Watch The video that summarises the 5 Languages of Workplace Appreciation

Activity Discover your own preferred Language of Workplace Appreciation by completing the profile.  If you have not already, download the Excel Spreadsheet or access the Google Sheet and complete the Appreciation Styles tab.  On Page 6 of your Boss to Coach for Front Line Team Leaders Coaching Notes write down your preferred Appreciation Style.

To think about It’s not only about praise

When thinking about how to show appreciation and the 5:1 ratio , there are many levers that you can pull on as a manager. Catching people doing things right extend beyond thank you to; supporting, spending time, developing someone, teaching a new skill, checking in on how they are, asking what they think first. Example phrases you use include

  • I believe in you.  Help team members feel confident and trusted.

  • Thank you.  Shows you appreciate their hard work.

  • You’ve got this.  Encourages them to handle challenges on their own.

  • What do you need to be successful?  Shows you want to help them achieve their goals.

  • How are you really doing?  Shows you care about them, not just their work.

  • Tell me more about your idea.  Encourages them to share and develop their creativity.

  • What challenges are you facing?  Lets them share problems they may need help with.

  • Let’s celebrate.  Recognises their contributions and reminds you to enjoy the wins.

  • I trust your judgement.  Let’s them know you have confidence in them.

  • What do you think we should do? Asks for their ideas and includes them in decisions.

  • How can I support your growth? Shows you’re invested in their career advancement.

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