A few weekends ago my bride and I drove two hours to Chesterfield to see our grandson, Bryce, play in a t-ball game. We sat on the hot, metal bleachers with our daughter and son-in-law and the other parents waiting for Bryce’s turn at bat. When he moved to the on deck circle, we positioned ourselves behind home plate, and cheered him on, making sure that he heard his name and our voices at the critical time. Bryce didn’t let us down. He hit the ball, (without needing the T this time), and made it all the way around the bases to score a run. As he strutted from home plate to the dugout, we made sure that he saw us. He tipped his hat and smiled, just like a pro. We later headed home, knowing that our investment in the four hour round trip was worth it for us, and especially Bryce. Did our cheering help him make contact with the ball and score a run? Maybe so. Scientists tell us that applause and recognition cause a brief rush of serotonin throughout the body. Sometimes called “the happy chemical,” serotonin is associated with feelings of security and belonging. It gives us confidence, maybe even a little courage. This is why we cheer our teams at athletic events, and why important milestones like recitals and graduations are done before a public audience. It would feel “empty” to receive your diploma in the mail or to run 26.2 miles on a lonely stretch of road and have no one cheer for you at the finish line. Take away the serotonin rush, and the effort doesn’t seem worth it. Employees need to feel needed, and they need to know that what they do is important. Recognition provides that confirmation, especially if it’s done in front of their co-workers. Here’s the takeaway: Give your employees a rush of serotonin as often as you can. Celebrate victories by calling them up in front of their peers, and giving them a chance to tip their hat. Inspired by: Leaders Eat Last, Why Some Teams Pull Together, and Others Don’t, Simon Sinek, Penguin, 2014.
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AuthorDave Bowles is a leadership coach, author, and avid bird-watcher. Archives
February 2023
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