Find Their Love Language

Let’s talk about “Love Language” in the workplace – seems like something HR would break up in a heartbeat. I don’t mean your heart skips a beat type of love, I am talking about learning how your team and cohorts like to be appreciated. 

Showing appreciation and recognition is not one-size-fits-all. There are many ways to show appreciation for a job well done or a win, and what one values for recognition will differ from person to person. Some like public recognition, some enjoy monetary or physical awards, others prefer a high-five in the hallway. For me, I cannot run and hide fast enough when it comes to public recognition. However, if you give me a handwritten note calling out a win or an impact I made, I will keep that note forever and likely pin it to my billboard. 

Leaders – I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the time to learn the “love language” of each person on your team and the people you work most closely with. The ROI and impact on your team culture is huge. It does make a difference, and they will remember the effort you made. A few years back in Chicago, I believe it was Sam McKenna (sorry Sam if this wasn’t you!) who talked about keeping an ongoing document of her team’s important dates, key things about their personal lives, and their appreciation/recognition preferences. I shamelessly stole this from her and adapted it as part of my leadership style. You should too!