A couple of weeks ago, TeamBonding worked at one of our favorites hotels in Boston.

Due to the configuration of the room, I needed to make some physical changes to the lay out.

The hotel staff, in particular one person, was wonderful. Helpful, funny, accommodating. Laughed at my jokes and made his own. He had this outlook on life that was simple, positive and infectious. His attitude to his work and those around him had an effect in that room. It inspired me and the way I wanted to facilitate that day.

The program was a success and I left determined to write a thank you.

Which I did not do. Can you believe it?

I know he didn’t act in that fashion to receive compliments. He didn’t need that, as there was no ego at play. He was genuinely a happy person.

I thought about my failing to send a thank you, all the excuses; I was busy, I was travelling, nobody was relying on an email from me. In truth it was simple, I took his service granted. He was just being himself, so he didn’t need praise for that.

How easy it is to accept that someone who is happy and delivering a great job, is just that. Always happy and good at what they do. What if they are really working hard to do that? We have all had days when we just don’t feel like it. When we are tired or consumed with other thoughts and we do not want to make that conference call, or go to that meeting, yet we do. When you know we are “phoning it in” rather than being fully aware and present. Yet we all know the difference between the two. How a simple shift of focus can elevate our work.

Why not do that every day? There are people who do. There are people who you expect them to do just that. Inspirational leaders, world leaders, surgeons – who wants a surgeon who isn’t focused?

Yet, look at those who are in positions that you do not expect such attention from.

I remember two centuries ago, I was a receptionist. There was a terrible storm happening and I had left home extra early to get into work. Instead of thirty minutes, it took me two hours. I was surprised how many people phoned me to say they couldn’t get in and requested what work I could do for them. Not one person asked how I had managed to get in. I was just always there, as if by magic – and not public transport.

So, do not overlook those around you who are constantly working hard. Who smile and wish you a good day. Who take the extra mile, to go an extra mile, just because they know they want to. They do not expect or want or need anything. They just want to have a good life. We can spend our time trying to manage those who are not doing a good job – what about recognizing those who are?

Celebrating a successful team is as beneficial as team building with a difficult team. Some of those positions that are truly supporting your company are not those with incentives, shares or commissions. Take a look and notice where the positive energy in your company is generating from. Stop to say thank you.

Jayne Hannah

Team Contributor

Subscribe

Sign up for tips on crafting the perfect team.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Categories

Podcast

around the world podcast logo

Get ideas, inspiration and best practices from across the globe.

apple podcast logo spotify podcast logo

Be a Guest Blogger

Do you have any useful tips, tricks, guides, or valuable insights about company culture?

Learn more  

Sign up for tips on crafting the perfect team.

Less drama? Greater productivity and job satisfaction? Yes, you really can make an impact, and TeamBonding is here to help. Subscribe to our blog for useful tips, tricks and insights.

More great content based on your likes.

The Evolution of Corporate Jargon: From Buzzwords to Inclusive Language

Corporate Jargon is a staple in the world of business. No matter what industry you are in, there’s likely a long list of jargon that gets used daily. At its core, corporate jargon is language used in the workplace to convey other, often more complicated, concepts. It can come in the form of acronyms, phrases, metaphors, and more. 

Read More  

How to Handle Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Conflict resolution in the workplace is something that many businesses struggle with. Conflicts are inevitable to an extent, and they can have negative effects on the business and workplace. They can create tension, slow progress, decrease efficiency, limit creativity, create toxicity, and much more. Resolving conflict in the workplace is essential if you want a positive and thriving business. 

Read More  

5 Ideas for Motivational Team Building Activities for Employees in 2024

For decades now, there has been an acute issue plaguing HR workers and managers around motivational team building activities for employees. An unmotivated employee or team can lead to decreased productivity and morale, higher turnover, and a lack of cohesion throughout the organization. There are many theories on how to best motivate employees. Some think that monetary incentives are the only way to truly motivate employees, while others believe motivation can be found through a better work culture or by cultivating motivational activities for employees. Before we can truly understand how to motivate work teams and employees and our favorite motivational activities for employees, we must first understand the different types of workplace motivators.

Read More  

6 Ways to Make Your Virtual Holiday Party Less Awkward

We’ve all been there. You are at the company holiday party, and something embarrassing happens that makes everyone feel uncomfortable and uneasy. While you might think that virtual events would be exempt from such circumstances, the reality is that Zoom events have had their fair share of awkward moments.

Read More  

Questions? Need a quote?

Complete this form to get started or call 877-472-2725.

Loading Icon

Create Your Free Account

Get exclusive access to new programs from the TeamBonding Lab, save your favorite ideas, and track your upcoming events.
Already have an account? Login

Please wait...

Sign-in

Don't yet have an account?
Create a Free Account

Forgot Your Password? Password Reset