Tessenderlo Group’s Post

Tie-dye tshirts! It seems like a silly little staff appreciation event and, on the surface, I suppose it is. That’s what I was expecting today to be. However, as I observed our team today, I realized we are setting the standard for the culture of our organization. The standard that appreciation doesn’t need to wait for a holiday - it can be celebrated on a random Thursday in August. The standard that laughter - at ourselves and with each other - is critical to our success. The standard that teamwork is the rule - not the exception. Whether you’re planning the event, setting it up, or helping your coworker (me) who doesn’t know how to tie-dye. The standard that mistakes happen and that sometimes they turn into something awesome. The standard that you should be proud of the work you do and be your teammates’ biggest cheerleader. The standard that connection is the most important part of our day. There were emails to send and reports to write, but I learned far more about moving our facility in the right direction today by spending it in the sunshine with our residents and our team…setting the standard.

I shared some thoughts on our intranet about a red plate we have at home. The lettering along its rim says it all: “You are special today.”  It’s a little thing, but that red plate always makes a big difference in the mood at our table when it comes out. Recognition is a powerful thing. When we feel seen, supported or celebrated, we also feel a sense of belonging. That’s true in families and social groups, and it’s also true on the job. I love that my team is so good at recognition. It comes through in emails, in the applause that sometimes breaks out on our floor, in a traveling trophy one group uses and in hallway chats. Sometimes, it’s not about recognizing the achievement, but about recognizing the people and their lives in and out of the office. In a fast-paced, hard-working culture, recognition is especially important. A big win is sometimes a long time in the making – all the more reason to celebrate the small wins along the way. It’s also good to remember that while formal awards are nice, the informal recognition that comes from genuine caring makes a difference, too. A genuine note of thanks, a friendly smile and showing interest in someone else’s triumphs and challenges all tell people not only that their work matters, but that they matter, too. No red plate required. #celebratesuccess #kindnessmatters

Do you need an excuse to recognize your employees? 🧡 It's Employee Appreciation Week at Happy Companies 🧡 Follow along and join me in recognizing the amazing Brittany Poleon (aka "BP") today! I have deep appreciation and gratitude for BP's help in building Happy into a tool that can help companies and teams work more effectively together. ℹ️ What BP does @ Happy: customer success, customer training, accounting, gift-giver, help center, and operations maestro. Basically – she does it all. If you know BP, you know: ✅ Accuracy is her thing. I don't know anyone who can cross t's and dot i's like Brittany. 🧡 She loves sports. Back before my knee started acting like it was 200 years old, we would play basketball. She's a complete badass at almost anything involving lifting weights or sports. 🚫 She loves being a part of a team and doesn't love "me" players. One thing I've come to appreciate about Brittany is that she's the ultimate team player. As long as you're on HER team... I don't recommend being on a sports/court opposite her! Without BP, the trains would fall off the tracks. Literally. 🚂 🛤 💥 There are never enough opportunities to recognize our incredible team members for the indispensable work they do. Brittany, thank you for putting your heart and soul into this company! If you are interested in accelerating your organization's performance and helping your team and people work better together, click for more info on Happy Companies!

We all need to feel valued and appreciated. Sometimes, what others think we want differs from what we want. This session will explore our various communication styles, how we can show appreciation, and how we like to receive appreciation. Topics covered include receiving and giving appreciation, recognition v. appreciation, and various other aspects of gratitude. Attendees can use these techniques to show appreciation to their workers, administration, supporters, customers, and others. Examples of appreciation ideas will be shared. To register visit https://lnkd.in/ecmhAD5B

Tell me your bad boss story! We have been celebrating Customer Service Appreciation Week with fun activities, including the opportunity to hang out with leadership (#nerdLife !) Yesterday I was bragging about leadership to some of the attendees and one of my leaders commented that they get a bit embarrassed when I so openly boast about how great they are. She said, "We are just acting normal, Alexis." But it hasn't been "normal" in my experience. Some of my past bosses: - Chose 3 employees out of a hat during our monthly sprint and we played MFK as an icebreaker. (The M is marry, the K is Kill.... you know what the other letter means now). - Said I needed to be ok with hiding linens in dressers ("Well, if their patients don't get baths because of no linens, maybe they should learn how to hide them when they get here then") and borrowing Depends from other patient's closets ("Borrow from Mrs X and Mr Z because they have rich children who don't pay attention to how much stuff their parents need/have/lose."). - Told me to pick a piece of salmon off the floor and rinse it off because we are budget conscious. -Wrote me up for going over his head to call the district office to report toxic photo chemicals were leaking in the milk cooler. - Asked me to figure out a way to get an employee fired because they (my boss) were tired of hearing her whine about her husband's death on Teams. - A customer had defecated in a box in our stockroom. When I started to clean it up, my boss asked me to "save it for X to do because X needed to be taught a lesson". X wasn't coming in until the next day- when I mentioned this, my boss said, "Noted." -When I fell off a 15ft ladder, I was told if I reported it I would not be considered for a promotion- the person directly in charge of my destiny told me this. With over 30 years in service industries (retail, hospitality, healthcare), I have many, many, MANY stories like these. This is my "normal." This is why I went into I/O psychology - to equip myself with the tools to "do the right thing, always," for myself and for whatever organization I landed in. Lucky me, I landed in the company of leaders who are so humble, so giving, that they don't even realize their own superpowers. 🍀 Share your terrible boss stories with me! #transformativeleadership #bestbossever #dotherightthingalways #badboss #womenleadership

Tips for recognizing folks at work - I love me some words of affirmation!!! Happy Thursday! • Take a few minutes on a regular basis (schedule it in Outlook as a re-occurring time to block off a few minutes to recognize others) • Work into your after action review to take time with your project team to list out all the great folks and work done and divvy up recognition/nominations, work on including KPI or bottom line implications of their contributions and if nominating tie it to our values - how does this persons activity tie in to a value • Has someone done you a kindness, helped course correct you, mentored you or had a difficult conversation that helped you personally improve, let them know the impact they had to you, your day/week/month/life • Look for ways to be kind for no reason, or then to brighten someone's day! • Is there a big milestone you know someone has been working their tail off for, and just crossed the finish line, give them a shout out for getting it done! • Maybe they accomplished something big in their personal life (finishing school, getting a certification, starting school etc.) • Look for different ways to share your recognition or appreciation, send an ecard, mail a Thank You card, send a gift, drop a note to their leadership, give them a recommendation on LinkedIn, get added to a Team agenda to do a shout out • If you happen to be chatting with their boss in passing conversation, consider a quick mention on just how great they are with a quick call out at what they bring to the table

Simple yet powerful, words like 'Please,' 'I apologize,' 'Thank you,' and 'Excuse me' can wield profound influence within the workplace. Often, we're told that we only recognize the true value of something or someone once they're gone. But must we wait for loss to appreciate what's before us? Too frequently, accolades and tributes flood in only after someone has passed, adorned with flowers they'll never see. Regrettably, while they were alive, such gestures of love and care were often scarce. Yet, it costs nothing to extend kindness to those around us, particularly our colleagues with whom we share so much time. Creating a homely atmosphere in the workplace is not a far-fetched notion. A simple act of appreciation can uplift spirits and inspire greater efforts. Let's not reserve our gratitude until a colleague bids farewell. Instead, let's proactively acknowledge the positive impact they have on our lives and our organization. It's time to be deliberate about treating people right.

Employee Appreciation Day is 5 days away! (3/1) Count down with me! 5 Reasons I’m celebrating my team this week: 1. When things get tough, the team gets tougher. Challenges? Bring ‘em on! Pivots? We got that! 2. Clear is kind (Thanks Brené for the motto). We’re a high-trust team that give each other the real talk when needed, in the spirit of excellence. 3. Authenticity is embraced. No filter in our game. We represent our true selves and seek to create environments where others can do the same. 4. We rise by lifting others. One team, one dream- we want everyone to win! 5. Courage is currency. No idea is too large or small. We problem solve through curiosity, understanding that some ideas take courage to tackle. What are your 5 reasons to celebrate your team?!

In the realm of the corporate world, it's often the case that employees take center stage in our focus, and we might overlook the indispensable contributions of our employers who work tirelessly to keep the office running smoothly and resolve clients' issues. They not only ensure the health of the organization but also extend their support during your illness and champion your progress. Our bosses, managers, and team leaders shoulder vital responsibilities within a company, diligently striving each day to create a positive work environment for you and your colleagues. Isn't it time we showed our appreciation? One meaningful way to do so is by offering a sincere hug. Today marks National Hug Your Boss Day, a special occasion dedicated to acknowledging the pivotal role of managers and employers in our professional lives and fostering stronger workplace relationships. However, a word of advice: before you embrace your boss, always seek their permission. This ensures that the gesture is comfortable and doesn't lead to any awkward situations. Opt for a gentle, respectful hug to convey your gratitude. This annual observance falls on September 13, and it provides an excellent opportunity to express your gratitude. There are various ways to show your appreciation, whether through a heartfelt note, a thoughtful gift, or organizing a pleasant gathering with your colleagues. So, on this National Hug Your Boss Day, take a moment to appreciate the dedication and hard work of your bosses and supervisors. Let your actions resonate within the corporate world as a reminder of the importance of recognizing those who steer our professional journeys.