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/ / It doesn't hurt to smile
By Bill Buckner
Volume 72, No. 1 /July-August 2007
Great news!
Cargill has received three “Best in Class” honors from Recognition Professionals International (RPI), which has been working for a decade with companies on improving the recognition process.
RPI said Cargill achieved “Best in Class” in three areas: for our global management process recognition strategy, for our formal recognition celebrations, and for having a Chief Recognition Officer.
So we’re doing a lot right! That’s great because recognition has a huge impact on employee engagement at Cargill, second only to advancement opportunities. And engaged employees are crucial to Cargill’s ability to move ahead with Strategic Intent 2015.
But could we be doing more? Absolutely.Especially when it looks like there is a disconnect between what we are saying about recognition and how our employees are feeling and experiencing it. Our employee engagement scores are 20 points lower on average than the average scores of the “Best Companies to Work For.”
What we learned from RPI was that we are very good at formal recognition. We have the Global Recognition Conference every other year. Business Units and Functions have their own recognition programs and events.
Where we can do more work is in day-to-day interactions and common courtesy and respect—the foundation of Cargill’s Recognition Model.
Don’t get me wrong. Cargill people are nice people. We are not generally discourteous and disrespectful. But we often forget about the powerful engagement tools of common courtesy and respect as day-to-day tools for recognition. Without those two elements, the formal
gestures seem disingenuous and can diminish credibility. Day-to-day recognition can include a handshake or a bow. It can include a short note delivered in a timely fashion.
So how do you demonstrate respect and courtesy to everyone you meet?
Get to know the other person. What are their likes, dislikes? What are their goals?
Listen. Many of us feel at times that the other person isn’t listening to what we have to say. Not a very engaging situation.
Smile. When people interact with you, they will make an impression of you. Do you want to be known for your scowl or your smile?
Greet people by name. This is fundamental to acknowledgement, respect and best diversity practices.
As you look down this list, you can see how simple the foundation principles of respect and courtesy are. This type of recognition shows people they matter and are valued.
So, congratulations Cargill! We are doing a great job at formal recognition, as acknowledged by a national association. But don’t forget the day-to-day interactions and respect and courtesy.
Remember, it doesn’t hurt to smile.
/ Bill Buckner's responses to the submitted questions and comments.
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/ Itt doesn’t hurt to smile (07/27/2007)
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