Do This at the Next ______

I “like” a few (47) pages on my personal Facebook page. The majority (31) fall into the “Other Likes” category and two of the pages are that of GeorgeTakei and Upworthy. This was a Thursday post on George Takei’s page:

Did you think about and write a few sentences about a person who has made a positive impact on your life? If not, take a few minutes and do it now and then connect to the video in Mr. Takei’s post by clicking here.

In our work with school districts, leaders, and teachers, we talk a lot about reward and recognition, feedback strategies, and writing thank-you notes. Examples?

Teachers distribute WOW cards to students who have achieved specific good actions and work. Then, teachers write or call home to each student’s parents sharing the message from the WOW card.

Schools highlight high performing students on a “I am a Difference Maker” bulletin board.

Leaders hand-write thank you notes to teachers. Thank you notes have an enormous impact on employee retention and satisfaction.

Leaders hold 30-day celebrations for teachers and teachers hold 30-day celebrations for students.

Now, consider a fifth option: Complete the exercise presented by George Takei and Upworthy during the next meeting, retreat, or lesson you lead. In your pre-meeting correspondence, ask attendees to bring their cell phones with them. When the meeting/lesson begins present the exercise, allow a few minutes to write, and then watch the video. Have the attendees phone their “impact person” and then allow for a 1- to 2-minute reflection at the conclusion of each call. Upon completion of all calls and reflections, it’s your turn as leader to connect (the exercise) to purpose. Next opportunity you have try this and share your and your colleagues’ take-a-ways; I will too.

_____________

Video from Upworthy. Scientists Discover One Of The Greatest Contributing Factors To Happiness – You’ll Thank Me Later. Available online 09.26.2013 here.

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