As we enter a period of renewal and change, Your Clear Next Step is committed to helping our customers make their businesses and workdays even better. We will be here to walk beside you, to listen, to connect, and to aid in your search for clarity. In doing so, we are offering a free, daily Zoom call, called Daily Connections, at 1:15pm (CDT) every weekday from 3/19/2020-5/1/2020.
These calls are a chance for us to share tips and discussion about relevant topics (working remotely, maintaining consistency in uncertain times, building relationships across geography, staying motivated, staying connected, etc) and network with each other to provide help and support during this time of change.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us today! The next call will be Monday, March 23rd at 1:15pm (CDT). Click here to join.
On today's call...
Sinikka shared a few tips about the Five Languages of Appreciation in the workplace.
Gary Chapman and Paul White write about the 5 Love Languages and the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. At home and at work, or working from home, these matter. Speaking someone else’s “language” helps them feel valued and appreciated
- Words of Affirmation
- Acts of Service
- Quality Time
- Receiving Gifts
- Physical Touch
- For your colleagues – engage in discussions: ask and answer what’s your preferred language?
- For the folks at home – engage in discussions: ask and answer what’s your preferred language?
- Go out of your way to connect with others in their language
- If you hear someone saying something like, “How did that go? Did I do that right?” likely, they are asking for words of affirmation
- If you hear them say something like, “How can I help?” or “Would you like to help me?” they are speaking the language of acts of service.
- If you hear them say, “Hey can we chat? Can we Face-time?” they are likely looking to speak quality time
- If they have treasured a gift from you in the past, and you think they might speak the language of gifts, if you can send them something (even if it’s just virtual) do so.
- If you know they enjoy physical touch, acknowledge their language by sending them virtual hugs or emojis and using words like “I’m sending you a big hug”
We’ve shared more about the languages of appreciation on our blog (here and here) and in our On-Demand webinar, How to Appreciate Your Customers (and Colleagues) When It’s Not Easy. Because of the changes COVID-19 have brought to your business and workplace, we’re offering special webinar pricing. Click here to learn more.
Here were some ideas and questions tossed out and answered by group
- If you are familiar with the Love Languages in your personal relationships, consider learning more about the languages of appreciation and how they can help improve your professional relationships
- Motivation and appreciation are different. They are both important, and we should try to learn both about the people we work closest with.
- Some workplaces are using rotating shifts, so some employees are in the office some days and others are in the office other days, particularly so that those who speak quality time still have the ability to connect and be heard.
- This can be an especially difficult time for those who speak physical touch. Using texts and emails that say “sending virtual hugs” or emojis is a great way to help convey that.
- Many of us easily and naturally speak our own language of appreciation to others. Take things a step further by learning others language and speaking it back to them.
- Regardless of whether your world has been turned upside down, or things are still business as usual, now is the time for us to “Lead with love” (Cy Wakeman)
