From Romance to the Workplace. Wait – What?
/You may have heard of the five love languages in the context of romantic relationships made popular by Gary Chapman. There are numerous quizzes available online that will evaluate your love language preferences for the sake of strengthening romantic connections. But you may not have realized that these communication tools apply to situations outside the realm of “romantic love.” After all, it isn't only our significant others who need to be appreciated!
Steven Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” goes as far as to say, “Next to physical survival, the greatest need of a human being is psychological survival, to be understood, to be affirmed, to be validated, to be appreciated.”
Keep in mind that there is a difference between recognition and appreciation. In other words, there is a difference between recognizing someone’s performance and appreciating the value of that individual. The difference between the two may seem subtle, but it is significant. People do not want only their actions to be valued--after all, if they could do it, probably someone else can as well. People need to be reminded that they, themselves, are valuable to their workforce.
The 5 languages of appreciation are:
1. Words of affirmation. Verbally expressing positive characteristics that you notice. In the workplace, this can look like praising your co-workers accomplishments, affirmation for their character, or affirming their personality.
2. Quality time. Giving your undivided attention. You can enact this in the workplace by participating in and initiating quality conversations, sharing experiences, working in close physical proximity to accomplish a project, and having small group dialogues.
3. Acts of service. Giving cheerful and willing assistance on a task or project.
4. Tangible gifts. Giving tangible rewards or gifts. These can be as simple as gift cards or time off. Of course, the best gifts are ones that are valuable to the receiver and were thoughtfully given.
5. Physical touch. Giving physical touch may sound out of place in the place, however, there are ways that physical touch can be appropriately used. When they are performed with care and consideration, physical touch can result in the building of trust and connectedness, and feelings of affirmation and care. Sometimes this can show up as a handshake, pat on the back, high five, or elbow bump. But use care! In this workplace, this one must be handled appropriately.
Ask yourself, which form, or expression resonates with you the most? Have you communicated this to your manager? And for managers, not all appreciation is created equal; identify the best one for each of your employees.
CPC can help you how best to motivate and show genuine appreciation. Contact us at info@cparkerconsulting.com to schedule a consulting session.
