Jun 7, 2016
Encouragement, Recognition, Relationships, Leadership, Business
Summary
Is encouragement what the world most lacks today? Even if it’s not the #1 need, it’s still very close to the top. What can we do about that? We’ll discuss that in our Thought of the Day. And later, in today’s interview, we’ll talk with former Chairman and CEO of YUM! Brands, David Novak. He’ll share powerful lessons from his new book, O GREAT ONE, which helps us understand the vital importance of encouragement through recognition … in the workplace. That and more on today’s show.
Bob's Thought of the Day
- Several years ago, I had lunch with my friend Tom Ziglar and his father, the legendary, late Zig Ziglar. Zig said something that was absolutely fascinating. Keep in mind that for nearly his entire adult life, Zig studied the thought processes, motivation, and human nature of people. And even at that lunch, he was carrying with him a notebook and pen in case something noteworthy came up.
- Zig said that with all he had learned, he found that the biggest problem in the world today is a lack of encouragement. People are not encouraged enough. People do not feel encouraged. I had to stop and think about that, and I continue to think about it today.
- Consider the typical person who, from the time they’re little, grows up in a world where other people are putting them down, criticizing them, or even bullying them. This unfortunately happens in the home sometimes as well.
- According to Dictionary.com, the word “encourage” comes from the Old French “encourager,” which means “to make strong or hearten.” The prefix “en” means “to make,” so to encourage someone literally means to make them courageous. We can do this by inspiring someone with spirit or confidence, stimulating them by approval, or promoting or advancing them.
- What does all this tell us? That we can do any of those things, for anyone. For instance, if someone comes to us with an idea, and our natural REACTION is to discourage them with why they’re wrong or why it won’t work, we can instead RESPOND with encouragement.
- This doesn’t mean we should give false praise or be phony. It just means we always have a choice. We can EN-courage (give them courage) or DIS-courage (take away their courage). Encouragement might be exactly what the world needs most.
Interview with David Novak
- There is a global recognition deficit. People want to be recognized. Recognition is the most powerful tool you can use. There is nothing “fluffy” about encouragement.
- Leaders have two fears when it comes to recognizing people: 1) If they recognize people, they won’t keep working hard. 2) They are afraid that those who aren’t recognized will be upset. Neither of these assumptions are true. You must recognize the behaviors you want to see.
- David talks about the “Bob” problem: people work years and years in their company and they don’t feel appreciated. 82% employees feel like their supervisors don’t recognize them for what they do. 40% of people say they will work harder when they are recognized.
- The more you give, the more you will receive.
- You have to show people you care about them by listening to them. If you really listen and show you care, you will get ideas from all over the place. The people closest to the customer generally have the best ideas.
- The guiding principles of recognition: 1) People won’t care about you if you don’t care about them. 2) The best way to show people you care is to listen to them. 3) A great idea can come from anywhere. 4) Recognize great work and great ideas whenever and wherever you see them. 5) Make recognition fun. 6) Make it personal.
- A leader has to celebrate others’ ideas more than their own ideas. Once you start leading people, your job is to inspire and encourage people. People do what the leader expects and celebrates.
- Personalize recognition around your business. For instance, David used to give away signed rubber chickens (and $100) to those he recognized. When you give away a little bit of your heart and personality, that’s what means a lot to people. Also, make it spontaneous. Don’t wait for an annual awards banquet.
- The biggest objection people have to the concept of recognition is that they don’t believe it will work “here” (their company, country, industry, etc.). But these principles will work anywhere and everywhere because recognition is a universal need.
Interview Links
O GREAT ONE!: A Little Story About The Awesome Power of Recognition by David Novak
Taking People With You by David Novak
The Education of an Accidental CEO by David Novak
Resources