how should we two four six eight - casbo · 2016-04-06 · two four six eight how should we...

Two Four Six EightHow Should We

Appreciate?Presented by:

Eastern Section Accounting Professional Development Committee

Presenters:Chris Rabing, Perris Union High School District

Penni Harbauer, Moreno Valley Unified School District Kristin Lange, Orange County Dept.of Education

Dusty (Ferguson) Nevatt, VTD

If you felt appreciated by the people you work with

would you enjoy going to work each day just a little bit more?

Appreciation in the Workplace

The number one factor in job satisfaction is not the amount of

pay but whether or not the individual feels appreciated and

valued for the work they do.


• Each of us wants to know that what we do matters.

• We are all different & have different appreciation languages.

• To be effective, appreciation needs to be communicated in different & unique ways.

• It depends on the individual.


So how do we figure out the best ways to let our people know

how much we appreciate them?


Words of AffirmationQuality TimeTEAM - Acts of ServiceReceiving GiftsPhysical Touch

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Praise accomplishments, character traits, efforts, and personality traits.

Good praise or words of affirmation requires you to know the other person and take the time to observe them.

Effective Communication of the Language

must be specific

The generic “good job” can actually be detrimental, especially if overused.

Words of Affirmation

Personal, one-on-one

OR

Praise in front of others

Written affirmation

Public affirmation

Words of AffirmationDoing it Right

Tone of Voice - Monotone, low volume, sarcastic

Body Language - rolling eyes, angry facial expressions, poor eye contact

Neglect or Procrastination

General “Thank You”

Not Sincere - Forced

“Great job! but… “

Words of AffirmationMissing the Mark

Employees with “Words of Affirmation” as their Appreciation Language:

•Sensitive to Criticism

•Discouraged by lack of praise or

lack of comments

•Have a need for feedback –

silence is deafening

Words of Affirmation“The Flip Side”

Can you recall a time within the last week when you verbally affirmed someone? If so, what did you say? How did they respond to your affirmation?

Have you received a verbal affirmation from a supervisor or coworker within the past week? If so, what did they say? How did you feel?

On a scale of 0-10, how important to you is receiving words of affirmation?

Words of AffirmationMaking it Personal

Encouragement and motivation can be reached by spending quality time with those that are valued.

● Invite a coworker to do something with you.● Stop by and see “how they are doing”. ● Give them your full and undivided Attention.● Take time to listen to their concerns.

Quality Time

● Sharing Experiences like traveling together, going out to eat, or attending events together are all ways that you can share quality time with someone.

● In a group setting coworkers are less comfortable sharing ideas than in a less intimidating, one-on-one setting.

● Working in close proximity with others while completing project, they will know you're there for them.

● Listen carefully

Quality Time Doing it Right

● Maintain eye contact● Observe body language, they are clues to real

feelings. It is important to listen for feelings as well as thoughts.

● Don’t multi-task or set yourself up for interruptions. If you expect interruptions communicate that in the beginning.

● Affirm feelings even if you disagree. It is important to show you value others opinion.

● Use paraphrasing and summarizing skills to

show active listening.

Quality TimePractical Tips for Listening

● Don’t just go through the motions, it’s not just about traditions like going to dinner to celebrate. Quality time people can tell if you are not genuine.

● Make sure you intend to act. A lack of follow-through may devalue the time you spend with someone.

● Prepare to put everything else on hold. If you’re not being present or not paying attention you're not showing effective appreciation.

Quality TimeMissing the Mark

Employees with “Quality Time” as their Appreciation Language:

•A “closed door” feels like rejection

•Feeling left out if not included

•Technology * Emails * Text messages aren’t

personable enough

Quality Time“The Flip Side”

When you have free time with coworkers or a supervisor, do you often ask about their personal interests? Do you wish that they would ask about yours?

Have you had a “quality conversation” with a coworker or supervisor within the past week? How did you feel as you walked away?

Quality TimeMaking it Personal

When others pitch in and help get things done

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Actions speak louder than words. “Don’t tell me you care; show me.”

TEAM - Acts of Service

Make sure your own responsibilities are covered before volunteering to help others

Ask before you help

Serve willingly & voluntarily (not because someone made you do it)

Have a cheerful attitude

Do it their way

Complete what you start or explain your time limit for helping

TEAM - Acts of ServiceEffective Service

Help finish a project

Offer to do menial task that will allow focus on higher priorities

Volunteer to do something I dislike doing

Bring food when working late

TEAM - Acts of ServiceHow to Help

Helping with a negative attitude

Bring along feelings of stress, reluctance or obligation

Talk too much – don’t get the job done

Helping with in a begrudging manner or resentment, will be detrimental instead of being encouraging

TEAM - Acts of ServiceMissing the Mark

•Employees with “TEAM - Acts of Service” as their Appreciation Language:

•Need help but won’t ask•Work late hours to “get the job done”•Helps others when their work isn’t done•Offended when others don’t help•Not flexible - wants it done their way & only their way•Believe they are the only one who

can do the job

TEAM - Acts of Service“The Flip Side”

What is one act of service someone has done for you in the past week? How did it make you feel?

What is an act of service you did for someone else in the past week? How do you think it made them feel?

Consider asking someone “Is there anything I could do for you that would make your work easier?” If you can do what they request, why not?

TEAM - Acts of ServiceMaking it Personal

The focus of this appreciation language is primarily on non-monetary gifts

More often than not, the gifts most appreciated are “experiences” rather than “things”

Giving the right gift to a person who appreciates tangible rewards can send a powerful message of thanks, appreciation and encouragement

Giving the wrong gift can actually offend

The most common gift of appreciation in the workplace is bringing food to share!

Receiving Gifts

Give gifts with some thought behind them

Take the time & efforts to get it right

Can be public or private

Balance between those with this language and not excluding others

Bring back something from your vacation or conference

Can be individual or group gifts

Receiving GiftsGetting it Right

Thoughtless gifts:

those gifts bought quickly in response to tradition or obligation or with no real personal investment of time or reflection

Not only miss the mark but also give a negative message

Receiving GiftsMissing the Mark

Employees with “Receiving Gifts” as their Appreciation Language:

•Resent receiving the same gift as everyone else

•Don’t like it when you give just to give

•Always “Starbucks”

•Expectation to receive something for every

Holiday, Birthday, vacation, etc.Our Advice:

Don’t start something you don’t want to continue FOREVER

Receiving Gifts“The Flip Side”

What gifts have you received in the past year? How did you feel when you received the gift?

What gifts have you given coworkers or a supervisor during the past year? How did they respond?

Receiving GiftsMaking it Personal

Not included in the MBA Inventory - limited applications in the workplace

Least valued appreciation language in the workplaceWhat is always appropriate?

Handshakes ** High-Fives ** FistbumpsWhat can be appropriate depending on the situation?

Hugs (ask first)Pats on the back / shoulder for a job well done

What if I don’t feel comfortable with touch?

Recognize their next important language

Physical Touch

Primary Language?

Secondary Language?

Least Valued Language?

Your Appreciation Languages

75% of the population speaks the same appreciation language they desire.

Observe the behavior of your coworkers:

If you regularly hear a coworker encouraging others by giving Words of Affirmation, this is likely to be their primary language.

If they are the initiator in setting up lunch appointments or inviting people to join them in activities, Quality Time may be their primary language.

How to Discover Coworkers’ Appreciation Languages

Observe what your coworkers request of others:

If you hear a coworker asking for help with projects, then TEAM - Acts of Service may be their appreciation language.

The coworker who asks you to pick up “freebies” for them when you attend a conference is requesting gifts, and their language is likely Tangible Gifts.


Listen to your coworkers complaints:The things about which an individual complains

about may well reveal their primary appreciation language.

If a coworker complains that their colleagues no longer have time for them, their language is probably Quality Time.

When asked, “how are things going?”, and a coworkers response is that nobody appreciates them, their appreciation language is most likely Words of Affirmation.


We all tend to speak our own language of appreciation with ease, and our least valued language will seldom be spoken.

It requires more thought and effort to speak to a coworker in their primary appreciation language if that language is your least valued language.

Learn to speak your least valued language! Do not let it become a “blind spot” for you!

Talk with others whose primary language is your least valued to see their language from their point of view.

Your Least Valued Language

There are different ways to communicate appreciation and encouragement to others.

An individual will value a certain language more than another.

The most effective communication of appreciation and encouragement occurs when the message is sent in the language of appreciation most valued by the receiver.

Messages of appreciation and encouragement in languages not valued by the recipient will tend to miss the mark.

The 5 Appreciation LanguagesSummary

Committee ResultsNAME PRIMARY SECONDARY LEAST

Susana Verbal Appreciation Gifts Quality Time

Marj Quality Time Verbal Appreciation GiftsChris Verbal Appreciation Quality Time GiftsDoug Gifts Quality Time Verbal

AppreciationDusty Team – Acts of Service Verbal Appreciation GiftsJennifer Team – Acts of Service Verbal Appreciation

Kristin Verbal Appreciation Team – Acts of Service Gifts

Penni Verbal Appreciation Team – Acts of Service GiftsRosie Verbal Appreciation Team – Acts of Service GiftsSean Verbal Appreciation Quality Time Gifts

Xochitl Team – Acts of Service Quality Time Gifts

Thank you for attending

We appreciate you!

CASBO Eastern Section Accounting Professional CouncilContact: Susana Lopez [email protected]

SESSION: ACT 13

how should we two four six eight - casbo · 2016-04-06 · two four six eight how should we...

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