9 Top tips to keep your little Elves ‘ealthy all year round.
The season of good cheer is on us! The season of Christmas cards, presents, secret Santa and the office social event. For most of us this is a bit of fun, the opportunity to take some time out, to be friendly to those around us, to actually share some feelings with others at work. (click for previous blog on this).
The warm glow of being part of something, of making an effort, valuing those around you. Wouldn’t it be great to do this all year through? Here are our top tips on achieving Santa’s wonderland in your work place.
Santa’s all year sack of gifts
Gift 1 – The vision
Be really clear about your expectations of your Elves. What is the overall vision. Share this vision with the Elves as often as you can, so that they know how important it is that the children all get a Christmas gift.
Gift 2 – Check the Elves understand
Allow your Elves to question and understand the vision, often we assume that because we have sent out a message, that the others have received it. How often has Santa got unclear letters from boys and girls? Check, check, check your communication. No one wants to be disappointed on Christmas day.
Gift 3 – Give them specifics, objectives.
Break down the vision into broad aims, attributable to teams of Elves. Show your little helpers that they make a difference and that their hard work is both valued and necessary. Elves should know that good behaviour is really important too.
Gift 4 – Be open to ideas
Create an atmosphere where its OK to question. Have open dialogue with the Elves about the toys they make. How many, what colour, how long and to what quality must they be? When they are successful Santa can deliver on the 24th of December.
Gift 5 – Who is the expert here?
When the Helpers are working hard at their stations TRUST them to make their toys well, they have the skills, they are the experts not you Santa!
Gift 6 – Feedback
Walk around the workshop, not every day but often. Catch those naughty Elves out; doing a good job! Tell them they are on the “nice” list. Reward good performance and behaviour.
Gift 7 – Innovation in the grotto
Every couple of months ask each Elf to sit down with you and talk about their toy making, are there any new toys they could make or better ways to make the old favorites?
Gift 8 – Elves can improve Santa’s performance
When you chat with the little people ask them how they think Santa is doing, they might find this hard at first because Santa is SANTA!. After a while they might really tell you, which is great for the development of your emotional intelligence.
Gift 9 – Reward the Elves
When you sit down for your once a year chat with each Elf, you will be able to give them rewarding gifts, gifts they want, because you have followed all the above Santa management Steps. This will improve motivation and performance. If it does go wrong at least you’ve got your Elf.
Merry Christmas from all of us at PDP, Have a happy holiday. When you come back after the break give us a call to help you have lots of Christmas’ in 2015.
To check where Santa is on the 24th December click here
Tweet us @richardjonesPDP or @therealme_PDP
Email Us Richard@professionaldevelopmentpeople.co.uk or Paula@professionaldevelopmentpeople.co.uk
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