HRA | We Know People

This month's theme is reward and recognition. Constance Robinson, one of HRA's consultants in Charlottetown, shares an early lesson...

As a young employee (we won't talk about how many years ago that would have been), I was keen to work hard earn that proverbial 'pat on the back'. However, I worked with an organization that did not communicate well with its employees. Long hours and high standards were the norm. So I toiled away and learned to assume that 'no news is good news'.

Then one day I heard the words, "You are doing great". I was pleased to hear it. It came from a person in the firm I liked and respected. But the words rang hollow -- literally. I was trotting up a concrete stairwell between floors in the office when a secretary of my supervisor was coming down. We stopped for a moment on the landing between floors to catch up on the progress of some files. As we were about to each carry on to our destinations, she lowered her voice as though she was sharing a state secret and said, "You know you are doing great. He talks all the time about the good work you do. We are really impressed." I was a bit puzzled, but smiled politely and whispered back, "Why thank you, that is so nice to hear." Then we went on our way.

While the words echoed in my ears (for even whispers ring in a stairwell), I couldn't help but wonder why my supervisor could not have said those words to me directly, and why I was told in a stairwell where no one else would ever hear. The lessons from that brief conversation in a stairwell are threefold:

1. Second-hand praise is not as effective as hearing it directly from the person who can speak to it.

2. Praise in secret robs it of its full effect. Praise is something to share.

3. While it is important to praise only what is worthy of praise, it is not something to be hoarded. The recipient deserves enough information to know what exactly warranted those words, and that it is possible to build on that success to continue to be worthy of the recognition given.

These lessons are fundamental to sound management practices we encourage in managers. Performance management is not about breaking people down -- it is about building them up. In human resources, we advise managers to apply this philosophy in the workplace -- but what are we doing to apply this philosophy within our profession?

On Thursday, October 4, Charlottetown is hosting the Atlantic Canada Human Resource Awards. This is every HR professional and business manager's opportunity to praise our colleagues by supporting the event with our attendance. The nominations are by people who know first hand the quality of the work of the nominees. The nomination and award process is an opportunity to praise the nominees in the presence of their peers. Best of all, the gala event, hosted at the elegant Delta Prince Edward hotel, with a delightful dinner, and superb entertainment by Hedgerow is a wonderful means of celebrating the achievements of our peers in the profession.

Let's not praise each other in stairwells. Join your colleagues in Charlottetown with good food, great music and entertainment and live the advice we give our clients.

[ Top ]

Wanted: Thanks

This Spring, Workforce.com reported on the results of a poll by Maritz Incentives and Maritz Research indicating that more than half of the respondents say their company’s recognition efforts have a direct bearing on individual job performance. Yet only 43 percent of surveyed employees believed they are “consistently recognized for their performance in ways that are meaningful”.

Indeed, in a 2003 survey, Maritz Research found that only 10% of employees report they have supervisors who say “thank you” for a job well done on a daily basis. 26% of employees are thanked seldom or never by their supervisor for a job well done, 29% receive occasional thanks and 35% are thanked frequently. It is interesting to note that the survey indicated that co-workers are more likely to say "thank you" than supervisors -- 34% of employees say “thank you” to a co-worker on a daily basis and 47% of employees say “thank you” to a co-worker frequently for a job well done.

These results invite a careful study of our own interactions and ensuring we express our thanks to all who contribute to our achievements in all parts of our lives.

[ Top ]

Learning, Celebrating & Networking

Three great events in a day and a half! Managers and human resource professionals can be efficient, combining professional development, promoting the profession and networking with the best on October 4 & 5 in Prince Edward Island.

1. October 4 Professional Development Day Poster
(HRA does not take credit or responsibility for the presentation or content of the following)

"Taking Care of the People Taking Care of Business” PEI Leadership Forum 2007 with Dr. Leigh Quesnel

Dr. Quesnel, the principal of HQS Consulting Services Inc., www.hqs.ca has over 20 years ’ experience as a leading organizational consultant working with small and large organizations in public and private sectors both nationally and internationally. His current work interests include managing surprise, dispelling psychotoxic workplaces, leadership, and motivation. He is recognized for integrating academic studies and best practices, yielding novel and pragmatic solutions to organizational challenges.

Space is limited Register now

Information: lynn.gallant@vac-acc.gc.ca or phone (902) 566 8763

2. 2007 ACHRA Gala

Come celebrate the profession at the 6th Annual Atlantic Canada Human Resources Awards (ACHRA) gala. On October 4, HR professionals from across Atlantic Canada will gather in Charlottetown at the Delta Prince Edward, to recognize the achievements of their peers. With the storytelling and musical musings of Hedgerow, this promises this to be an evening not to be missed!

The Awards recognize achievement in human resources in the following categories:

Human Resources Innovation
Strategic Partnership
Excellence in Human Resources
New Human Resources Leader

3. Follow Through with Green Networking Poster

Wayne D. Gray, President & Founder of Vogue Optical Ltd., illustrates the formula for success: A drive to succeed and do what has served Wayne well for over 35 years in the optical industry, heading a 43 store chain with over 200 employees whose brand is synonymous with service and value. Wayne was the recipient of the Business-to-Consumer Products & Services Award in the Atlantic Region's seventh Entrepreneur of the Year program held in 2000. He believes his success is based on the philosophy of doing what is best for the customer.

One of the keys to doing what is best for the customer is through attention to HR matters. The Vogue Optical staff are the cornerstone of the company with minimal turnover. Many of his employees have an excess of ten years' service. They are empowered to make decisions and do whatever it takes to make the customer happy.

Join HRANS-PEI on Friday, October 5, to learn how to combine drive with vision. Start your day with HRANS-PEI and Wayne Gray. Register now to avoid disappointment.

[ Top ]