How to Start a Praise Meeting
Praise meetings are a terrific way to show employees that they are valuable assets to the company. Praise meetings are designed to show appreciation, offer encouragement, and acknowledge a job well done. This is a wonderful way to focus on the positive qualities that all members of the team have.
The first thing you should do when you make the decision to have a praise meeting is set up a date and time that will be convenient to all employees. Pick a place free of distractions with good an atmosphere that will offer comfort and make everyone feel relaxed and less intimidated.
If possible, have all the seats the same size and sit them in a circle. If some people are in larger chairs, it may seem like they are "bigger" than everyone else. If you are at a square or rectangle table, then it appears that those at the head are more important. It is important to establish a sense of equality. This will help a great deal.
A praise meeting should be a type of celebration. If possible, serve refreshments and give everyone a little bit of free time. This will show everyone that they are important to you, even if they don't win a reward or get a special acknowledgment.
When you are having a praise meeting, it is best to focus on the good qualities. Don't lessen the quality of the meeting by being negative. There is a time and a place for all reprimands, during a praise meeting is not a good time. You can air complaints out at another time.
Offer rewards to your staff. This is often a good way to motivate. It doesn't have to be anything expensive. Certificates, coffee mugs, pen sets, and small gift cards are great ideas. Honor employees for perfect attendance, the most sales, best attitude, courtesy, and other simple things.
Get all of the employees involved in the meeting so that no one feels left out. There are many ways that you can do this. The best way is to play little games that will focus on the good things. Write everyone's name on a sheet of paper, fold it, and put it in a paper bag or cup. Let each person draw a name and take turns offering comments or good qualities about the person whose name they drew. This is a great way to develop interpersonal relationships!
Above all else, make it a habit to have praise meetings often, even if they are on an individual basis. It is very important to show your employees how much they mean to you and that you respect them. Many people believe that they are only as strong as their weakest link. Use the praise meeting to strengthen the weak links. Show them that they are valuable no matter what.
