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    Monthly E-Tip                                                                                                             December 2007
This Month
A Holiday Gift that Costs Nothing!
Back by Popular Demand
2007 Best Places to Work Awards Luncheon
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It's easy to lose focus on the importance of managing employee performance during the holidays. This month we focus on the simple, little things you can do to give feedback, even when you're overwhelmed with all your other holiday obligations.
 
Happy Holidays!    
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A Holiday Gift that Cost Nothing! 
 
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Click here to share these important ideas with the managers and supervisors in your organization.

 
 
 
As we enter the holiday season I often struggle with "what to get people."  It's customary to recognize colleagues and valued business associates with the token basket of goodies or gift card to a favorite restaurant.  Over the next few weeks I'll undoubtedly wrestle with questions like: who should I give to and what should I give them?  It's never easy.

Wrestling with these annual dilemmas reminds me that the one gift that most employees long for and that costs nothing is the one gift we give too little of:  praise and feedback.  If you're looking for a way to give a little to your staff without having to fight the crowds and blow your budget, try having a face to face conversation with the sole purpose of thanking them for the value they've added to your operation.

If this cost-free gift is a challenge for you, try starting the conversation with these statements:

"I really appreciate the way you. . . (are always positive when our customers call in with complaints OR are meticulous with the monthly reports)."

"I'm happy you are on our team because. . . (you bring a unique perspective that allows us to see our product from the eyes of the customer OR you help bring people together by focusing on the positive)."

"If it weren't for you. . . (our database would be a mess OR we wouldn't have increased our sales by 14% this year)."

"You're an important part of our office because. . . (without you the staff would not have the support they need to respond to client calls OR you bring new ideas that have lead us to develop new services)."

I know that you know you should be offering praise and recognition to employees on a regular basis throughout the year.  We both know that it probably doesn't happen often enough.  Before the end of the month, use this season as a reminder to connect in a positive way with each of the employees on your team.  Tell them what you appreciate about their contribution.  Granted, it's not a gift basket, a Butterball, or a gift certificate to Best Buy.  Still, it's a "gift" that most employees will appreciate and one that will not bust your budget.

 
 
Back by Popular Demand
 
Our webinar series, conducted this fall through Compliance Online, was a huge success. We've been asked to repeat the session that got the most buzz.  If you missed it, you can sign up via the link below.
 
Webinar - Getting Clear: Developing Performance Expectations for Employees
(February 6, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. PST)
 
We'll explore why there is often a difference between what a manager expects and the employee delivers. Tools for developing clear expectations and then communicating those expectations to employees will be offered. In addition, a practical tool for involving employees in the expectation-setting process will be presented.
2007 Best Places to Work Awards Luncheon 
 
Join us as we help to recognize and celebrate this year's Best Places to Work.  At this celebratory luncheon, the rankings of the Valley's Best Places to Work will be announced in three categories, based on number of employees:

*Small-sized Companies: 25-99 employees                                     
*Medium-sized Companies: 100-250 employees                       
*Large-sized companies: Over 250 employees 
 
 Click here to reserve your seat or visit www.bestcompaniesaz.com.  See which Valley employers were voted the BEST by their employees!
 
Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 11:00am to 1:30pm 
The Arizona Biltmore, Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom                                 best comp
snowy holiday sceneHappy Holidays 
 
We  appreciate your continued support and interest in our work.  May you have a joyous  holiday season and a Happy New Year!
 
Sincerely,

Marnie Green
Management Education Group, Inc.