Page 32 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

■ “I appreciate your (helping Sally, covering for
Joe, coming in early, staying late . . .).”
■ “You’re right to be upset about what that
(customer, client, coworker, supervisor . . .) did, but what can
we do to get back on track or maintain a positive focus? Is
there anything we can learn from that interaction?”
■ “I’m excited about this new project, and I look forward to
hearing your ideas.”
■ “I would like to see you leave early for your son’s soccer game,
but we have a lot to get done. Can you come in an hour early
tomorrow?”
■ “We are now offering preschool and after-school programs as
well as all-day child care. All employees who are parents are
invited to attend one of the scheduled orientations.”
■ “What a great day! Thanks for all your hard work.”

Respect

The Motivational Mindset

■ Respected is not synonymous with feared. You will gain
more genuine respect by being other-centered, open,
communicative, and friendly than you will by being autocratic.
The supportive leader is no less capable of getting the job
done than the feared one. In fact, your employees will be more
motivated and more loyal. Fear is a shortsighted, short-term
motivator with limited returns.
■ Just as support staff are there to support you, you are there
to support them. When a manager loses sight of the give-
and-take required, employees are more likely to give only the
minimum. On the manager’s part, “give” can mean anything
from coaching or training to praise for good work.

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