Such a great post, Heather. When I first went into business many years ago I had a partner who would never acknowledge the good work of our employees, although he was very quick to point out their failures or shortcomings. He always warned me that by recognizing and praising their achievements, I was making them feel that they deserved more money. I have always believed that recognition is a huge motivation for employees (and of course family and friends.) When we dissolved our partnership, most of the employees came with me. A good example of a "relationship bank account?"
I love the example of the "bang on the table" moment and how that motivated Ford to forge ahead with his invention.
Veering off the road for a moment: Edison and Ford became lifelong friends and built adjacent winter estates in Fort Myers, FL which are now owned by the city and are open to the public. The tour of the homes and property and Edison's laboratory are fascinating. We often bring house guests there, particularly when they have children. Link below for anyone interested.
"Veering off the road"....thanks for this link, Jim. My parents lived in Naples starting in 1968. I've flown into Fort Myers many, many times, but never visited Edison/Ford estates. The website is enticing....history always sucks me in. I haven't been to Naples since 2015 when my mom passed, but Bill and I have talked about making a return trip to 'visit' with my parents, each of whom took their last boat ride into the gulf just off the beach at Mooring Park. If we do, I think a visit to the estates is in order. (I did take the kids to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearfield, MI years ago)
Your work story is a great example of the power of recognition. It sounds like splitting up was a good decision.
Thanks so much, Jim, for taking the time to read and comment!
Thanks Jim for adding that great historical note, and your own perspective on recognizing good work. I once read an article in a medical journal about retaining physician assistants and FNPs. It basically said if employers truly respect and appreciate the good work of their employees they just might walk through burning coals to stay there. The money just goes along with that appreciation.
So, keeping with the theme of your post…..😊 Thank you to you and Bill for a great post this week!! I try to practice this and it really does give a big boost to my day!!
Me too, Norm. There are so many people who have encouraged me all along the way. And for them, I am so grateful. Encouragement can come in so many ways.
Think of all the people you have encouraged over the years. Now that's a big number!
This was wonderful. I’m giving you, Heather, recognition. I love the theme of your Substack. You exude kindness in all your posts. It’s a great way to start my morning. Thank you.
PS When my son was living in NJ we visited the Edison home. Guess what was in a separate garage? Various electric cars.
Having worked in corporate communications at Ford, I especially enjoyed this one, Heather. Did you know that the Ford Motor Company that Henry Ford established in 1903 was actually the third iteration? Beginning in 1899, he founded two other auto companies that failed before finding the right partners and plan in 1903.
I didn't realize that you had worked at Ford. I would think that corporate communications there would have had its own set of challenges.
I did read (in Wikipedia) about his first two attempts. It sounds like lack of funding might have been an issue and, of course, some of the other challenges with a start up, especially for a product that was still evolving. I imagine you have some first hand insight into those (not that you lived back then haha, just from your time with them!)
Thanks for reading...and for your thoughts. Always appreciated!
I loved this post so much, I just called my son and told him what a wonderful, kind person he is, how he exceeded every hope and wish I ever had for him, and I couldn't be more proud, as he accomplished everything on his own. I thanked him for everything he does for me and for being such a fine husband to his wife. It caught him off guard and he didn't know what to say, except thanks mom. But I am sure he was glad to hear it out of nowhere. Thank you, Heather, for reminding us the time is NOW.
Wow. You are a woman of action, Sharron and a role model for us all. That's the most eloquent praise I have heard and so spontaneous. Really, just wow.💚
but here all at once and out of a clear sky the greatest inventive genius in the world had given me a complete approval.
The relationship bank account says it all. So simple and so true, and something we don't pay enough attention to in our hyper-efficient world. Thank you Heather!
I was always flabbergasted at my last job how little recognition I received from anyone in management. While I heard through the grapevine that people were happy with what I was doing, no one ever said, "We really admire your work, we really appreciate having you here." That little gesture would have meant so much, but it never happened. And ultimately I left.
First Heather, you're a very punny person when you get rolling. Just don't go hitting the breaks because you've hit the dead end sign.
Secondly, I love the concept of the relationship bank. "Recognition pays off for the ‘giver’ as well." In the final analysis, we can't have enough good will at the ready.
Thank you. Loved your post. Yes. Important to make others feel good.
Thank you for reading!
Such a great post, Heather. When I first went into business many years ago I had a partner who would never acknowledge the good work of our employees, although he was very quick to point out their failures or shortcomings. He always warned me that by recognizing and praising their achievements, I was making them feel that they deserved more money. I have always believed that recognition is a huge motivation for employees (and of course family and friends.) When we dissolved our partnership, most of the employees came with me. A good example of a "relationship bank account?"
I love the example of the "bang on the table" moment and how that motivated Ford to forge ahead with his invention.
Veering off the road for a moment: Edison and Ford became lifelong friends and built adjacent winter estates in Fort Myers, FL which are now owned by the city and are open to the public. The tour of the homes and property and Edison's laboratory are fascinating. We often bring house guests there, particularly when they have children. Link below for anyone interested.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/&ved=2ahUKEwjxvaDrpt2EAxUORjABHXrWCWQQ_Bd6BAgYEAI&opi=89978449&usg=AOvVaw3DG_fbXk6_-KXEyR9tKEAh
"Veering off the road"....thanks for this link, Jim. My parents lived in Naples starting in 1968. I've flown into Fort Myers many, many times, but never visited Edison/Ford estates. The website is enticing....history always sucks me in. I haven't been to Naples since 2015 when my mom passed, but Bill and I have talked about making a return trip to 'visit' with my parents, each of whom took their last boat ride into the gulf just off the beach at Mooring Park. If we do, I think a visit to the estates is in order. (I did take the kids to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearfield, MI years ago)
Your work story is a great example of the power of recognition. It sounds like splitting up was a good decision.
Thanks so much, Jim, for taking the time to read and comment!
Thanks Jim for adding that great historical note, and your own perspective on recognizing good work. I once read an article in a medical journal about retaining physician assistants and FNPs. It basically said if employers truly respect and appreciate the good work of their employees they just might walk through burning coals to stay there. The money just goes along with that appreciation.
So, keeping with the theme of your post…..😊 Thank you to you and Bill for a great post this week!! I try to practice this and it really does give a big boost to my day!!
As long as I've known you, you have always been an encouraging soul. It's a wonderful quality. Always giving a 'boost' to others!
Look what you just did!!😘
This made me think of the importance of ‘encouragement’. People who encouraged me changed my life.
Me too, Norm. There are so many people who have encouraged me all along the way. And for them, I am so grateful. Encouragement can come in so many ways.
Think of all the people you have encouraged over the years. Now that's a big number!
Trying to come up with a car pun here is driving me crazy.
Cute! Kinda like Driving Miss Daisy....oh, that's just a rhyme.
This was wonderful. I’m giving you, Heather, recognition. I love the theme of your Substack. You exude kindness in all your posts. It’s a great way to start my morning. Thank you.
PS When my son was living in NJ we visited the Edison home. Guess what was in a separate garage? Various electric cars.
Awwww, that's so kind of you CK. You've made my day!
Wow - so cool that he would have electric cars. I guess it makes sense, being Thomas Edison and all...💡
Happy Tuesday!
Having worked in corporate communications at Ford, I especially enjoyed this one, Heather. Did you know that the Ford Motor Company that Henry Ford established in 1903 was actually the third iteration? Beginning in 1899, he founded two other auto companies that failed before finding the right partners and plan in 1903.
I didn't realize that you had worked at Ford. I would think that corporate communications there would have had its own set of challenges.
I did read (in Wikipedia) about his first two attempts. It sounds like lack of funding might have been an issue and, of course, some of the other challenges with a start up, especially for a product that was still evolving. I imagine you have some first hand insight into those (not that you lived back then haha, just from your time with them!)
Thanks for reading...and for your thoughts. Always appreciated!
I loved this post so much, I just called my son and told him what a wonderful, kind person he is, how he exceeded every hope and wish I ever had for him, and I couldn't be more proud, as he accomplished everything on his own. I thanked him for everything he does for me and for being such a fine husband to his wife. It caught him off guard and he didn't know what to say, except thanks mom. But I am sure he was glad to hear it out of nowhere. Thank you, Heather, for reminding us the time is NOW.
Wow. You are a woman of action, Sharron and a role model for us all. That's the most eloquent praise I have heard and so spontaneous. Really, just wow.💚
Love this post and this line in particular:
but here all at once and out of a clear sky the greatest inventive genius in the world had given me a complete approval.
The relationship bank account says it all. So simple and so true, and something we don't pay enough attention to in our hyper-efficient world. Thank you Heather!
Thank you for reading!
I was always flabbergasted at my last job how little recognition I received from anyone in management. While I heard through the grapevine that people were happy with what I was doing, no one ever said, "We really admire your work, we really appreciate having you here." That little gesture would have meant so much, but it never happened. And ultimately I left.
I'm sorry that happened to you. It's so easy to recognize others and so important.
Perhaps when you left and that door closed, another one opened that was more worthwhile for you. I hope that is the case.
First Heather, you're a very punny person when you get rolling. Just don't go hitting the breaks because you've hit the dead end sign.
Secondly, I love the concept of the relationship bank. "Recognition pays off for the ‘giver’ as well." In the final analysis, we can't have enough good will at the ready.
Ha ha, Mark....looks like punny too and you're on a roll!
I love that "we can't have enough good will at the ready." So true.
I love this Heather. I try to always use people names. 2 reasons- practice my memory skills as well as acknowledging them.
That's an excellent way to help people feel heard and recognized. Great thought, Robyn! PS ...I am enjoying your newsletter, so much good information!
Thanks so much Heather. I love yours too.