We all get numb to the everyday surroundings of our environment. Posting a handwritten poster or banner rooting for your team in the elevator (or in the break room, by the time clock, on the front entry door—wherever everyone will pass by) will catch their attention.
You don’t have to run around to everyone’s office with a fan’s foam finger, but your words of praise will be noticed when they are sincere. Let’s face it, not everyone pours through the
company newsletter to read accolades on who did what last month. This will get their attention and comes from the heart. So grab your paper and markers and congratulate your team! Remember to send us a photo of your creative banner to info@janspence.com so we can share your ideas.
Research has proven that brain function is at its best when it is processing positive rather than negative words. Positive words propel the motivational centers of the brain into action.
When employees don’t feel motivated or encouraged at work, their productivity, loyalty, and engagement levels drop; they no longer feel connected to the mission of the organization. This can be detrimental, as some would argue that motivation is the most important emotion employees can bring to work. This intrinsic motivation can bring out the best in employees so they can give their best to the organization and customers.
One way to encourage and motivate your employees is by creating and hanging a sign or banner with words on congratulations on a recent team or group achievement somewhere prominent in your work area. This kind of visual reminder can be a powerful reminder that hard work is recognized and provide some much needed motivation for your team to keep going or not give up even on a tough day in the office. After all, a well-placed “congrats” could provide a boost of confidence or perspective just when it is needed!
This week, I challenge you to channel your inner arts and crafts prodigy from elementary school and create a banner to hang somewhere your team is sure to see it. You don’t have the overthink the design or the message, just create something that will catch your team’s attention and congratulate them for their hard work!
FUN FACT: Motivational posters got their start in the 1920’s. One of the most prominent producers of motivational posters from this era was Parker-Holladay. The print company’s most notable contribution during the 1920’s was Bill Jones, a fictional character that was developed to encourage the workforce to embrace positive habits—like punctuality, teamwork, and respect—and a positive attitude.