“Provide encouragement and reassurance.”
The 3 Keys to Empowerment by Ken Blanchard, John P. Carlos, and Alan Randolph
Just the other day I was having a discussion with an associate of mine. We were bantering back and forth about the power of applause, acknowledgement, and appreciation, and the need for each one.
I shared a story involving the quarterback on the Minnesota Vikings, Fran Tarkenton. At the time, Fran was as “good as they got.” After running off the field one Sunday afternoon, he asked his Head Coach, Chuck Knox, why he didn’t pat him on the back like he did all the other players when they ran off the field?
“Fran,“ Knox said, “you already know that you are the best in the business. You don’t need me to tell you that.”
Tarkenton quickly responded with, “I do, if you want me to continue to be the best in the business.”
This was yet another clear example that everybody (spelled every man, woman, and child) requires positive feedback, applause, confirmation, and recognition. I am referring to children, students, pro-athletes, business professionals, political figures, fathers, wives, clerics, and parole officers. And yes, even you and me.
If you want your employees to be the best in the business, remind them often of the great work they are doing. If you want your customers to be there for you for years to come, tell them how important they are to you. If you want your children to perform exemplary task throughout their lives, tell them when they do something good. If you want to stay married so you can celebrate your fiftieth wedding anniversary, you know what you have to do.
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