Page 33 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

■ Be consistent with everyone. Be flexible and make exceptions,
when appropriate, but not always for one person or based
on favoritism. Other employees will resent both you and the
person receiving your favors.
■ Not everyone feels positive about every employee all the
time. Showing respect is especially important when an
employee disappoints you or pushes your buttons. Sometimes
what’s in your head just shouldn’t come out of your mouth.
Any goodwill or show of respect you have developed will
immediately be demolished by phrases such as “How stupid
can you be?” “You did what again?” “I don’t have time for this
nonsense,” or “For crying out loud!” Deal with problems head-
on, and remember to always maintain respect for others and
self-control—even in the most difficult situations.
■ You won’t earn respect if you don’t follow through on
promises. If you cannot follow through, say so, explain why,
and suggest alternatives.
■ Take responsibility. In some corporate cultures, it’s nearly a lost
art and will be highly respected.
■ Admit to being wrong. You will gain more respect than
you might lose by insisting you were right in the face of all
reasonable evidence.
■ Admit to not knowing something. You can’t possibly know
everything; no one does. Say you will find out, refer the
employee to the right person to ask, or ask the employee to
track down the answer.
■ All employees deserve respect and common courtesy, no
matter what their role in the organization. Employees must
also feel respected by other employees, feel safe in the
workplace, and know that all complaints are taken seriously.
■ A clear message that harassment or discrimination of any kind
is unacceptable creates a positive environment.

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