Reason with yourself

As 2008 winds down, lets look at one more Performance Improvement action. This continues from the previous post, remember, about the Performance Improvement Notebook?

Think about something.

When you and your employees appreciate specific reasons for performance improvement, these are the results:

• You initiate improvement,
• You identify motivational objectives, and
• You increase engagement.

Here is a wonderfully simple process to generate lots of reasons for your (your people's) specific performance improvement. It's equally easy for you to apply for yourself and/or to explain (encourage) for your employees.  And that Performance Improvement Notebook is the perfect place to do it.

First, write down your specific performance improvement target.  "Deliver sharper closing presentations" is more readily attainable than "make more sales."

Next randomly list every beneficial reason you can imagine to take on that performance improvement.

Here are some example reasons for that "sharper closing presentations" improvement:

• My self confidence increases thanks to my improved presentation skills.
• Every sales cycle flows directly to the closing presentation.
• Prospects and clients give me more referrals.
• My sales manager gives me more kudos.
• My kids say I'm more fun to play with.
• and on and on and on........

Notice the reasons are in present tense. You want to appreciate those benefits as if they are already real.

Performance improvement benefits go beyond the specific job performance. You can appreciate potential advantages to your work, of course, but also to your family, your social community, your health and well-being. Don't leave those advantages off your list.

Keep your list handy (Performance Improvement Notebook, remember) because no one says the list has to stop growing. And use the list as you take on the performance improvement. Your list gives you specific, valid motivations.

Send me an e-mail  with "Performance Improvement Appreciation" in the subject line, and I will send you a Tips List with 15 ways to use this activity with your employees.

Good thinking!