what your people want

What do you think is the topmost thing that employees say they want?

Since the first survey of its kind in 1946, the results have been proven over and over again over the years, with the survey being replicated by different bodies at different times.

Here are the results.

Starting with the most important, this is what EMPLOYEES say they want:

1. Full appreciation for the work they do
2. Being included on things
3. Sympathetic support on personal problems
4. Job security
5. Good wages
6. Interesting work
7. Promotion/growth opportunities
8. Personal loyalty
9. Good working conditions
10. Tactful discipline

In contrast, this is what MANAGERS said they think employees want:

1. Good wages
2. Job security
3. Promotion/growth opportunities
4. Good working conditions
5. Interesting work
6. Personal loyalty
7. Tactful discipline
8. Full appreciation for the work they do
9. Sympathetic support with personal problems
10. Being included on things

Spot the difference?

Action Points

As in the article on Giving Praise, you may already have been practising giving praise to your team members and/or colleagues. If so, that's great - keep it up.

And now for the just as important action point - finding opportunities to praise yourself, with no "ifs" and no "buts". You might perhaps get on with identifying and acknowledging your own strengths, for starters.

Quote

"Brains, like hearts, go where they are appreciated." - Robert S. McNamara

"Catch your people doing something right and let them know you appreciate it." - Author Unknown

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