Taking a few moments to let our employees know that they are appreciated and that we are grateful for their contributions to our team is vital to keeping morale high and office culture healthy. It's also important that we take the time to understand each contributor on our team and express our thanks in a way that they will not only value, but will leave them inspired and energized in their work.
While buying each employee a gift basket of cheese and crackers is easy, it's not really the best way to connect with them (unless cheese happens to be their thing). Meet each employee with a thank you that's heartfelt and lasting. To do that, you must understand the needs of the recipient of your gift. Do they respond well to a public display of thanks, or would they prefer a more private acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication?
We use Identity Mapping and the Four Ways as a guide for better understanding our colleagues and relationships, because it's simple to apply and highly effective. Understanding each person's "Way" will assist you in finding the perfect way to thank them this year. Here's the what to say, how to say it, and gift ideas for each of the four ways:
The Relationship Way: this particular Way wants to be appreciated as a valuable member of the team. They work hard to keep harmony and may be the most selfless of the group. As a result, they may not prefer the spotlight. However, this doesn't mean they don't enjoy attention, just not when they're at the center of it.
What to say:
"Thank you for how hard you work to keep engagement high on our team," or "Thank you for always making yourself available to lend an extra hand, you are so valuable to our unit!"
How to say it:
Write a thoughtfully worded letter or card, and give a chance for their teammates to include a message as well. Consider highlighting them in an employee newsletter or at the beginning of a meeting. They particularly respond well to personal gifts and words of affirmation that show you care about their interests and personal life.
Gift Ideas:
This Way would love a gift certificate for a massage, a dinner to enjoy with their spouse or significant other, a bottle of wine to enjoy with friends. Tickets to their favorite play or for a concert are great options too.
Action Way: this Way likes to be thanked for reaching the goal (first!) and leading the charge. They work hard to keep things moving—even if it means taking a different path. They are often leaders or enjoy being the center of attention.
What to say:
"Thank you for the energy and pace you keep this project moving," or "I appreciate how you can quickly get on board and motivate others to do the same."
How to say it:
This is the Way that responds most positively to public gratitude. Bring them up at your holiday or annual party or showcase them at your next meeting. They are competitive and enjoy the thrill of "winning." If you were to give out a trophy, they're the happiest Way to receive it.
Gift Ideas:
This way would love a gift certificate for a fun experience (the high action may love an adventure such as a ropes course or to skydive)! Be aware of their likes and provide a gift that allows them to set the itinerary.
Logical Way: this Way likes to be appreciated for their key insights and knowledge on a particular challenge. They work hard to make sure information is thorough in order to solve problems. They are generally unsentimental but enjoy recognition as it pertains to their performance.
What to say:
"I appreciate the extent of information you bring to the table to solve problems, it is greatly valued," or "You are someone I can always count on to know the answer or where to go to get it."
How to say it:
Avoid sentimental overtures of gratitude. Instead, highlight their key project successes or the value of their research. You can send out an email to their team or privately thank them, but avoid grandstanding on their behalf.
Gift Ideas:
This Way would love a great book, a puzzle box or a brain teaser. A grander gift could be an opportunity to represent their work at a conference or webinar. Look for gifts that will challenge their intellect. And if all else fails, this Way will always appreciate a gift card or cash.
Organized Way: this Way likes to be appreciated for timely and excellent work. They are dedicated to ensuring mistakes are not made and processes and policies are followed.
What to say: "I appreciate that you were able to take my idea and formulate a plan that we can execute, thank you," or "Thank you for being the person I rely on to ensure that we produce quality products."
How to say it:
Although their goal isn't to "win" things, the Organized way appreciates confirmation in the form of tangible rewards. Consider giving them a certificate of achievement or gift card/cash to demonstrate your appreciation for their work.
Gift Ideas:
this way would appreciate a new planner, a new set of colored pens, a gift certificate to their favorite store, or cash.
Now you are ready to give thanks and connect with your employees like never before. They will appreciate that your gift of thanks was thoughtful, useful, meaningful, and unique. This is the gift that will keep giving as they continue to do good work and seek to receive your praise.
