When was the last time you patted yourself on the back?
As leaders, we seek opportunities to recognize our team members for their contributions to the organization’s success, both great and small. We offer kind words from the heart, a pat on the back, maybe a note in a file, a certificate to display. We recognize not only achievement, but also progress. “Congratulations! I knew you could do it,” or, “You’re getting closer and closer. I’m so proud of you.”
I’d like to suggest that each of you give yourself some positive feedback, too.
At the end of the day, think about a challenging situation you handled well, a difficult conversation you got through, maybe something new you learned that day.
Think about how you hung in there for your team even though you didn’t feel 100%, or how your most difficult team member finally got “it” after you found a different way to teach it, or how a peer thanked you for helping them even though you were very busy, too.
Then, take your hand, reach over your opposite shoulder, and give yourself a gentle pat and say,
“I made a difference today. Well done.”
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(While I enjoy a few days vacation, I hope you enjoyed this classic; it originally published on February 1, 2011.)
