Modeling: How to Increase Positive Behaviors in Business (and Life)

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Modeling: How to Increase Positive Behaviors in Business (and in Life)
What behaviors would you like to see more of in your organization? For example, when was the last time your boss sent you a written compliment or thank you note? Never? How do you think it would have made you feel if he had? When was the last time he gave you a sincere, specific compliment about your work? You can't remember that either? Ouch! It's time to change that - even if you are at the bottom of the career ladder.
Picture yourself in a large parking lot, trying to make a right turn into the flow of traffic. Finally someone nice lets you into the line. If you (very carefully) look back a minute later, you are likely to see the car behind your nice "savior" is also letting someone into the line, and the pattern will repeat a few times.
In another example, you're at the checkout line in a crowded supermarket. You enthusiastically (and slightly loudly)  thank the cashier and bagger for doing such a careful job with your groceries. The next person in line is also likely to thank them. Imagine how great they will feel after this! Think also about the impact on their work behavior, and on their desire to stay in that job.
That's the power of modeling, of one person taking the time to demonstrate the positive behavior for others. All it takes is you complimenting someone else, for example.
If you are at the bottom of the career ladder, give a specific verbal compliment. (For example,
When you clean a floor here, it really shines! Thanks for your hard work!)
 If you are a manager, take a few minutes each day to write some brief and specific thank you notes. (For example, That report you wrote on the X Project was excellent! You clearly put a lot of time and effort into it, and made some excellent points I had not considered. Thank you for being such a valued member of our team!)
People work for more than money; they want recognition of their efforts as well.
In 2014, make a resolution to give at least one enthusiastic compliment a day. It's easy, it's free - and it has tremendous benefits.
Business Speech Improvement provides intensive training in executive communication skills. We also offer a valuable e-book, Executive Communication Strategies, on 18 vital verbal skills for leaders. It's the e-book you'll wish your boss had read!