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.
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!!
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 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.
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.
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
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!!
This made me think of the importance of ‘encouragement’. People who encouraged me changed my life.
Trying to come up with a car pun here is driving me crazy.
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 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.
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!
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.
I love this Heather. I try to always use people names. 2 reasons- practice my memory skills as well as acknowledging them.