Valuing Your People

In today’s workplace, feeling valued isn’t just a nice idea, it is essential for employee engagement and retention. A recent Forbes study revealed that 66% of employees would leave their jobs if they didn’t feel appreciated; that number jumps to 76% for millennials. (Lipman, 2017)

Everyone wants to feel like they’re making a difference. Whether it’s completing a major project or consistently showing up with a positive attitude, your team members want to know their contributions matter. They want to know THEY matter.  No one wants to be taken for granted, and as leaders, we have the power – and responsibility – to ensure the individuals on our teams know just how important they are to our organization.

The truth is great leadership rarely comes from grand gestures or dramatic speeches.  Yes, we’ve heard the inspirational halftime speech from the coach or the amazing speech from the CEO at just the right moment to turn around the business.  Unfortunately, most of these occasions only occur in the movies or on television. 

Leadership is about being present and observant every single day, acknowledging not just the big victories but also the countless small actions that keep your organization running smoothly.

The 3-Penny Method

I’d like to share a simple but powerful technique to help you build a consistent recognition practice. It’s called the 3-Penny Method, and here’s how it works:

1. Every morning, place three pennies on the left side of your desk (or in your left pocket if you’re frequently on the move like me).
2. Each time you recognize or encourage someone during the day, move one penny from left to right.
3. Make it your personal rule to not leave work until all three pennies have moved from one side to the other.

This simple method is a tangible reminder to actively look for opportunities to engage and acknowledge your team’s contributions throughout the day.Remember, effective recognition doesn’t always mean formal awards or public presentations. Sometimes it’s as simple as:

• Acknowledging someone’s consistent punctuality
• Thanking a team member for their thoughtful contributions in meetings
• Recognizing when someone goes out of their way to help a colleague
• Appreciating the extra effort put into a routine task

In the end, great leadership isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about consistency in the small things. Start with three pennies, and watch how this simple practice transforms your leadership impact, one recognition at a time.

Reference: Lipman, V. (2018). 66% of Employees Would Quit If They Feel Unappreciated. Forbes.