We have got to ask: What is it that your team members want, but are not going to ask you for? Yes, we know everyone wants a raise, a promotion, and to lease a workspace on company $$ with a mountain or ocean view. They may want those things, but we all know those things don’t make long term happy employees. Just like a new car, a new ring, and new vacation spot don't make for a happy family. 

So what is the gift that actually matters? 

Let’s get this out of the way. Yes, socks matter and are great gifts! Every year, families far and wide make jokes about those useful and helpful gifts that should be remembered all year ... good socks and underwear. Last year, I was ready to load up on smart wool socks to help keep me warm during those winter Zoom meetings in the office shed (The Reserve). Low and behold my family came through to keep my feet toasty!

Cozy socks may make a great Christmas gift for your team, but what about...

Intentional, Consistent, Uninterrupted Time. 

Do you know what makes the difference between teams with higher retention, improved employee engagement scores and increased productivity? The number one difference maker is effective one-on-one’s. Yes, company parties and vacations are great. But they are not the difference maker. 

There are salesmen pulling in record breaking years and going to Cozumel who are looking for new jobs because they don’t respect their leadership. 

You can’t buy your way to healthy relationships. You must invest. 

How do you invest? 

• Set regular one-on-ones with your team members. Cadence and sequence should vary by role, tenure, and the ability for impromptu conversations throughout the week. 

• Set clear expectations and learn how to communicate those expectations by speaking in the language of your team members through the Core Strengths App. 

• Speak 19.2% of the time and listen the rest. 

Our next newsletter will provide a tool for how to effectively conduct a game changing one-on-one. The first step is for you to wrap the present--commit to giving the gift of time to your team members. 

Say something like, “This next year I’m committed to investing in you and making sure you have what you need to succeed. Let’s align calendars for January for regular one-on-ones geared for your growth and success." 

Then be sure to follow-through!