TLP289: Why Making Work Fun Is Not A Frivolous Affair

Dr. Bob Nelson is one of the world’s leading authority on employee recognition, motivation, and engagement. He has personally coached Marshall Goldsmith - ranked as the world’s #1 executive coach. Listen in as Bob shares how to make work fun again, and discusses how to hire better, how to make people feel valued, and how to retain workers in an increasingly competitive market.     Key Takeaways [5:10] People do better when they’re recognized for their good work. However, managers have a horrible time giving recognition to their employees. [7:55] You need five good praises to make up for every one negative action. [10:10] Companies will spend millions of dollars on how to get better at recognition, but won’t ask the employee directly what makes them feel valued. [11:00] No one feels special about going to the holiday party. That is not a good way to recognize the individual employee. [12:30] How companies treat their employees when they’ve made a mistake is a great indication of whether they are good at recognizing the good work the employee has done or not. [14:55] People don’t want to go back to work because they’re burnt out and the health risks far outweigh the financial reward. [16:20] People are convinced that employees aren’t coming back to work because they’re on unemployment benefits. Actually, that isn’t true. Dr. Bob expands on this. [18:00] Fun has to be part of the mix at work. However, a foosball table in the hall is not what Dr. Bob means by making work fun. [19:20] The worst thing you can do is to assume you know what’s important to your employees without asking them. [21:335] Dr. Bob worked closely with NASA recently and he shares what NASA does differently and why it’s ranked one of the best places to work within the federal government. [28:10] Motivation is a moving target. It’s hard to measure and it’s very specific to the individual. [33:35] Companies want people back in the office for the collaboration and culture, but as work colleagues become reunited in person once again, nothing has changed to facilitate that more effectively. [35:05] Listener challenge: Don’t be fooled. These things sound easy, but it takes consistent and conscious effort to implement. [36:45] Dr. Bob has a special gift for you!   Quotable Quotes “Recognition makes people feel special. The stuff companies are doing isn’t making people feel excited and special about what they personally did.” “Leaders are way too quick to blame things on money.” “Get out of your own way. It’s not what you think is important. It’s what your employees think is. Have that conversation.” “It’s getting out of your own skin to value the other person. If you do that as a leader, by serving them, they will serve you.” “Fun is frivolous… unless you want to attract and keep good employees.”   Resources Mentioned Sponsored by: Grab Dr. Bob’s book,