It’s finally happening. We’ve officially become so efficient with our technology that we’ve forgotten how to actually talk to, appreciate and acknowledge each other.
Think about it: when was the last time you reached out to a colleague just to check in? If you’re like most of us, you probably only ping someone when you need a signature or a status update on a looming deadline. We’ve become great at managing our work to-dos and schedules, but we’re letting our social capital go bankrupt in the process.
The truth is, if the only time your team hears from you is when you have something to do for them, you aren’t building a relationship— it’s more transactional and by nature creates avoidance and other unwanted behaviors in your team.
Social capital isn’t about being the most popular person in the office. It’s built up trust and reciprocity that allows a team to actually function when things get difficult. And there is one simple way to start depositing into your social capital account today.
Stop the “To-Do” Communication
If you’re only pinging your team for work related tasks, it’s time to turn that around, and you have to start interacting with them when you don’t need something.
Take five minutes before a meeting starts to actually ask a person how a specific project might be challenging for them. Or, notice a win that has nothing to do with your own department. When you acknowledge someone else’s hard work without expecting a “file” in return, you start building trust that you can’t get from a project status update.
Make the Recognition Physical
These days digital messages disappear in an hour, so a physical “good job” really stands out and goes a long way toward building that social wealth.
When you notice a teammate has handled a difficult client or hit a personal milestone, take time to acknowledge it. A simple shout-out or a small appreciation gift (that serves as a physical token of appreciation) can be powerful. Telling them you see the work they’re doing and it matters to the group goes a long way. These types of gestures create good will in your team towards you.
Don’t complicate it. Start by picking one person this week to acknowledge without having anything to do with your agenda. You’ll find that the rewards are well worth the five minutes of your time it takes to do it.