Page 30 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

A Positive Workplace

The Motivational Mindset
■ Positive results come from positive thinking.
■ The positively motivating environment is one in which
employees feel welcome, comfortable, and appreciated.
■ Start the day with a friendly greeting. Show a sincere interest
in employees.
■ Positive phrases can often replace negative ones. Instead of
saying, “I can’t stand this project,” try “This project is really
challenging!” Positive words change your tone.
■ Yes is more inspiring than no, even if it’s a “Yes, but . . . .” If
you cannot say yes because of timing, say, “Yes, but not right
away.” Instead of dismissing a new idea completely, is there
some part of that idea to which you can agree? Would you
accept the idea with certain revisions? If yes is a possibility but
not a certainty, then maybe is appropriate.
■ Yes (with qualifications) or maybe is only friendlier than no
when the possibility truly exists. If you know the answer is
no, say so; don’t keep someone waiting and hoping for a
response, decision, or action that will never come.
■ No is, of course, a necessity. Without no, you would be doing
everything for everyone, joining countless committees and
crusades, and taking on responsibility for every organization
that reaches out to you. Nos can be polite and even supportive
and encouraging. Most important, they can be critical to self-
preservation and employee retention.
■ Champion family-friendly policies without creating an
environment in which single people are penalized with extra
work and late hours to accommodate those with families.
■ Acknowledge your employees’ right to have lives outside of
work.

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