Have you ever seen the show “Undercover Boss?” CEO’s go undercover to find out what it’s
really like to work for their companies. They see the good, the bad, and the
ugly. They get to know the employees and
hear their stories, needs, and dreams. At the end of the show the boss reveals
him/herself to the unsuspecting employees.
At the reveal, great employees are rewarded by their
undercover boss. What amazes me most are the acknowledgements that the bosses give
these employees. Some get financial assistance, promotions, business
opportunities, and other rewards. Many
of these employees have clearly had so little acknowledgement in their lives
that they are shocked, not just by the bonuses, but by the words of the bosses
who value them and the work they do.
What makes the show so appealing to me, is watching these
regular working class people expand their self worth by absorbing the acknowledgements
from their CEOs. They just blossom right in front of the viewer. And the bosses get to realize that without
these “regular” people they have no company.
For some of them, it’s the first time they get this message.
Who doesn’t long for acknowledgement? Acknowledgement is a
powerful thing. No matter how great we might think we are doing, hearing it
spoken makes it REAL. Every time I receive it and every time I give it, the
language of acknowledgement rocks my world.With something so powerful so readily available, it’s
amazing to me that so few of us seem to know what it is or how to use it. God
knows until recently, I had no clue myself.
At the yearly embarrassing work birthday party, where cake
and silly cards ruled the day, I announced that I wanted to create a “Culture
of Acknowledgement.” I handed out cards with
acknowledgements crafted personally for each of my co-workers. One person made
a comment. One person hugged me, and everyone else seemed doomed to silence for
a short time while they considered my communication. Some people read the cards right there, and
some didn’t, perhaps hoarding them for a
private moment.
What followed over the next few days amazed me as I saw the acknowledgment
cards taped to my co-workers computer monitors and other areas. The next day I
was presented with an envelope of cards similar to the ones I gave out. Awesome
words like leader, teacher, and friend were crafted and signed by my
co-workers. In that moment, I felt heard.
What possibilities does the Culture of Acknowledgement
create? Can it create a work place where acknowledgment and coaching put
discipline and complaining to rest? Can
it create a culture where worthiness is a given and achievement no longer goes
unnoticed? Only time will tell.
I know I will have more to say about acknowledgement……. stay
tuned.
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| Pi was acknowledged for his work in flyball this weekend with this awesome plaque. He's a good boy , and he is loved by me! |
