Dale Carnegie advises in his book How To Win Friends And Influence People to never criticize, condemn or complain.
This morning I had breakfast with a great friend who owns an assisted living center.
He said it used to be that when he’d meet with his employees, the focus would be on what they’d done wrong and how they could improve.
That didn’t seem to work very well.
This year, he decided he’d try something different.
He made it his goal to inspire them.
Instead of criticizing, he focused on highlighting all the great things that were happening.
At the end of the day, he has each of his employees fill out a form answering the following questions…
- What is one thing from today that you’re grateful for?
- What is one example from today of how you enhanced someone else’s life?
- Did you reach your targets today?
- If not, what could you have done differently?
- What are your targets for tomorrow?
My friend told me something truly magical has happened.
The feeling at work has changed for everyone.
His employees are excited to come to work in the morning to see what the day has in store for them.
The feeling has shifted from negative to positive.
Things might not be perfect but they’re better and improving.
Degradation vs Inspiration.
Simple choice, world of difference.