Verbal applause

Many IGCs have the custom of specially thanking their employees either at the end of the growing season or during the holidays. Some throw a party for the staff and their families, be it a barbecue or dress-up dinner at a restaurant. Other businesses hold a meeting and pass out gift cards or other tokens of appreciation to their team. But let me suggest an additional way to reward your employees that is an added bonus: praise each and every one of them, out loud and publicly.

Employees always want to be praised for what they have done well, and management should note that studies have shown such verbal applause is good for the bottom line. When the staff feels seen and valued, they are happier at work. A team that feels acknowledged by management and their fellow workers conveys happiness to the customers. And since IGCs are in the business of selling joy, smiling team members are indeed the best salespeople.

Parents of young children may hear the advice about “catching your kids doing something right.” When raising children, we might be told that our offspring would rather be praised than punished, but they also would rather be punished than ignored. It seems that the human desire to be seen and appreciated begins in childhood and continues into the workplace.

Employees want to be seen and acknowledged for what’s going well. They want to know that the work they do every day is important, whether they are telling a customer about a specific plant, ringing up a sale or weeding under the benches. There are many advisors and programs for management that train staff to praise employees frequently and authentically. This is important, but when a team member is given a compliment in the yard or the store, only a few people may hear it. What if your IGC took the opportunity at the next employee recognition event to tell each team member — out loud — about the good work they are doing?

Accuracy matters

If you’re going to praise someone, the compliment has to be true. It’s no good to tell someone what a good singing voice they have if they can’t carry a tune. It wouldn’t be right to celebrate an employee for the ability to be organized if they are, in fact, frequently unstructured or unprepared. Praise must be authentic and accurate if it’s going to be meaningful. When a person is complimented on something that is true, the commendation makes them want to build on that strength moving forward. False praise, on the other hand, just makes the recipient and all others who hear it cynical and distrustful of management.

Finding what’s special

The success of praising your employees individually depends, of course, on finding something unique to say about each of them. Most of your staff might greet customers with a sunny smile, but if you make this comment about several employees, it dilutes the entire effort. So, a list should be started well in advance so something distinctive can be cataloged about each and every team member.

When compiling your list, there are several categories of affirmative employee qualities to draw from to keep in mind. Positive or energetic attitudes, willingness to go the extra mile for a customer or being flexible about helping in other departments could be pointed out. Perhaps a staff member quietly goes ahead and does what needs doing without instruction or pays great attention to detail. You might praise their design skills, the ability to soothe cranky customers or how they’ve kept the store tidy during the spring and summer rush. One employee might be lauded for being totally dependable and another for their passion for organic problem solvers. Perhaps one team member is great at plant identification, while another has kept the annual section consolidated and organized even during the spring madness. Think about the staff’s skills, performance, talents, creativity and proficiency in customer service.

Photo © Robert Kneschke | Adobe Stock

It’s a celebration, not a roast

When putting the list together, it might be tempting to tease a staff member about a well-known quirk or recent mishap. Don’t do it. What might seem lighthearted to you can be taken as criticism by the individual. They may be more sensitive about that eccentricity or mistake than you realize. You should praise all employees and save any good-natured ribbing for another occasion.

Yes, preparing a unique compliment for each employee will take focus, time and careful thought. But that’s what makes it special.