In the office, your team works with focus and vigor to accomplish the goals that you as a leader have set for them. Being in close contact with your staff makes it simpler to track their progress and evaluate their work. It is also very easy to give feedback and a thank you for a job well done. Surely you remember your time spent as a team member working hard to please your boss and get noticed. And being rewarded for your efforts every now and then was especially uplifting and motivating. Well, your remote virtual team members are no different. It is obviously more challenging given the distance, but every bit as important to show your appreciation to your team members.
Small Rewards
A nice way to show your team members you care is bestowing small gifts from time to time. Maybe reward them after a big accomplishment such as landing a new contract, or going big on their quarterly sales. You might take an office employee out to lunch occasionally to say thanks; this isn't possible of course for a remote team member. Instead of taking those out you could treat them to a gift card of a favorite lunch spot of theirs. There are many online gift options other than food such as iTunes, Amazon, eBay. A splendid idea would be to send an online gift card for a website that sells items geared toward your employees’ hobbies. This would not only say “at a boy” (or girl), but also let them know you care about who they are as a person.
Recognize and Acknowledge
A lot of times, just a simple thank you can go a long way. As busy as leaders are it is easy to get caught up in daily affairs and lose sight of those who help keep the business running. Take time to reflect on your team's accomplishments and drop a line now and then to thank them. Holding short video conferences with the whole team to recognize the whole or one member who has excelled in their performance is a good way to show gratitude and connect on a personal level. Even a short “thank you” e-mail is a great way for a team member to start their day.
Whatever you do to show appreciation, do it often and be sincere. Showing gratitude builds connection and keeps your team motivated
Copyright 2016 Viral Solutions LLC
by Rob Carpen
Rob is a content writer and editor, specializing in a variety of fields. He helps B2B and B2C clients with blogs, social media, press releases and web content that create more value for their marketing campaigns. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He played Club Rugby at IUP for four years. He loves Rugby and recently attended the Rugby World Cup in Newcastle, England – New Zealand All Blacks v. Tonga Match. Rob is passionate about craft beer. He is transitioning his eight years of home brewing to earn his professional brewer certificate.