5 Easy Ways to Show That You Value Your Team
Did you know that 79% of employees leave their job due to not feeling appreciated or valued?
It’s been said that people don’t leave companies… they leave bosses. YIKES!
I believe that the most effective leaders are the ones who are eager to say thank you and are the first to express praise and appreciation.
There are numerous ways to show thankfulness. Here are five simple (and free) ways to show gratitude to your team.
How to value your team in 5 ways
1. Smile
It’s amazing how something so small can have such a huge impact.
Nothing will tell a team member that you appreciate their work and acknowledge a job well done more than a genuine smile.
Plus, smiling is contagious! When we see a smile, our natural reaction is to smile back.
“Your smile will give you a positive countenance that will make people feel comfortable around you.” – Les Brown
Not only does smiling lift your mood, but it can also increase that of everyone around you. Smiling throughout the day, regardless of how stressed you might be, makes you more approachable.
When your team feels comfortable coming to you with an issue, no matter how big or small, those issues can then be addressed and resolved in a timely manner.
2. Greet and thanks
Say good morning (with a smile on your face) to each team member as they arrive at the office.
Let them know that you’re genuinely glad to see them.
Ask them a question or two, such as, “How was your weekend?” in order to make a connection with them.
After a long workday, show your appreciation by thanking each team member for a great day and their hard work.
3. Random acts of kindness
At least once a month, show gratitude to each team member. This doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or any money at all.
I like leaving little notes on each team member’s workstation, letting them know how much I appreciate them.
I’ve noticed that my team truly values these little notes and will keep them next to their computer or in their locker.
This may not have a dollar value associated with it, but I believe it can be more than a store-bought gift.
4. Say “please” and “thank you”
What has happened to the “magic words” we were taught to use as children?
Saying “please” and “thank you” is not only about using manners, but it also shows respect to the person you’re speaking with.
Sure, as “the boss,” you could demand things from your team. However, I believe that kindness and consideration has a way of letting your team know that they’re important and valued.
Therefore, it’s important to be respectful of your team and others.
5. Be available
As managers, we have tons of tasks to do on any given day. When we stop what we are doing in order to be accessible, our team members will feel more comfortable bringing difficult issues, concerns, or ideas to us.
If we are closed off and make them feel as though they are a bother when they come to us, they will not feel valued.
When we make time for our team members, they feel important and appreciated.
“No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important.” – Mary Kay Ash
Try these tips with your team
When our office was closed due to COVID-19, we came up with the slogan, “BPD Strong” (Bighorn Pediatric Dentistry… This text opens a new tab to the official website… Strong).
I put this slogan on a poster board and asked each team member to send me one word that describes what BPD Strong means to them. The one word that was sent to me almost unanimously was “family.”
This really tugged at my heartstrings because we truly do care for one another. Yes, we are a team, but more importantly, we are a family!
I would like to invite you to implement these five steps with your team. I believe by doing so, your team will become stronger and hopefully will also become even more like family as a result.
Meet the Author
Kristie Williams is the dental office manager for Bighorn Pediatric Dentistry in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Kristie began her dental career in 2014 and earned her AADOM Fellowship in 2018. She currently serves as Secretary for the Yellowstone Valley, Montana Chapter of AADOM.… This text opens a new tab to the chapter’s website…
She has been married to her amazing husband for almost 30 years. They have four grown children, two adorable grandchildren, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their third grandbaby this October.
