The Giving Boss
I read an article in INC Magazine this month title "Etiquette: Pick Me! A boss's guide to buying flowers". The article followed a conversation I had with a colleague today about whether or not a boss should buy donuts, pizza or even flowers (or other suitable gift of choice) from time to time. Many managers have caught onto the "giving bug", yet not nearly enough. Giving, regardless of size, clearly makes a difference. A study recently revealed that providing chocolate during a meeting makes the recipients, in this case clients, more favorable to your presentation. The thought behind the chocolate buffer is clearly the pleasure inducing effects of chocolate, but the concept can be applied across the board. Provide donuts, cookies or M&Ms and the results are similar; your audience is seduced into being more attentive, receptive or straight out swayed!
Similar results can be had with small tokens of appreciation, such as a flower, a book or a gift card, but few managers or department heads actually put their hand in their wallet to provide such a small gift. Often the logic behind their (poor) decision is a fear of displaying favoritism or individuals "getting used to it". Every small holiday, special occasion or event I try to give something to my team members, be it a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine. Every opportunity to show appreciation is an opportunity to give back.
Similar results can be had with small tokens of appreciation, such as a flower, a book or a gift card, but few managers or department heads actually put their hand in their wallet to provide such a small gift. Often the logic behind their (poor) decision is a fear of displaying favoritism or individuals "getting used to it". Every small holiday, special occasion or event I try to give something to my team members, be it a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine. Every opportunity to show appreciation is an opportunity to give back.
Edible Arrangements (example in photo) is a gift site that works for any occasion, any recipient and any moment as it contains fresh fruit beautifully arranged for a special person or office.
Like the INC article states, "Whether or not you have time to smell the flowers, it's often worth making an effort to give them. Flowers convey thoughtfulness and a personal touch". Some occasions to give flowers include:
- Get Well (for recovering team members)
- Apology
- Client Thank You
- Birthday (duh!)
- Sympathy
- Company Milestone (this one scores big!)
- New Baby (another duh, yet often missed opportunity)
Maybe we should include this one in the "New Managers Guide" ...
Like the INC article states, "Whether or not you have time to smell the flowers, it's often worth making an effort to give them. Flowers convey thoughtfulness and a personal touch". Some occasions to give flowers include:
- Get Well (for recovering team members)
- Apology
- Client Thank You
- Birthday (duh!)
- Sympathy
- Company Milestone (this one scores big!)
- New Baby (another duh, yet often missed opportunity)
Maybe we should include this one in the "New Managers Guide" ...
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