Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

I once attended a lecture on leadership. The speaker stated, it was important to “catch people doing things right,” and then compliment them for it. I can’t say that I disagree, I think recognition is important. My point is, it is easy to compliment a person that is doing well. When a staff member exceeds our expectations, it’s pretty easy to give accolades.

Perhaps even more important is to recognize folks that are not having a great day. An employee in a slump or having made a mistake is even more in need of reassurance than the person who is doing just great. Sometimes in business, things just go wrong. When they do, those “that deliver the problems” often feel very bad. In my opinion this is where a kind word can make all the difference.

Many years ago, I worked in a machine shop. I made a mistake that caused a large job to be delayed as well as a good deal of money to be loss. I felt really bad until the manager came up and said, “Don’t worry about it tiger, mistake happen, you’re a good man.” That made me want to work ten-times as hard, to prevent mistakes. It also allowed me to salvage my self respect.

I have tried to never forget that lesson and remembering it has served me well over the years. Appreciation for successful effort is very important. But it is hard to over-estimate the power of a kind word at the right moment.

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA