In Tom Rath's book "How Full Is Your Bucket?" he itemizes the impact on individuals who receive regular praise and recognition (based on Gallup's research and analysis):

• individual productivity increases
• engagement among their colleagues increases
• probablility of retention increases
• their customers report higher levels of loyalty and satisfaction
• individual safety records are better and they have fewer accidents on the job

Rath goes on to say "Studies show that organizational leaders who share positive emotions have workgroups with a more positive mood, enhanced job satisfaction, greater engagement, and improved group performance."

You, the leader, have it within your power to provide deserved praise and recognition. Are you using this powerful tool? If not, why not?

Pamela Canning, CSC