Little things make a big difference
Sometimes we need a moment to step away from the "big picture" and focus on the little things, the important things, and those seemingly trivial things that need our attention.
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The "little" things are generally not difficult; they just take a little extra time and demand a little extra effort.
It might be a phone call that we continue to put off, an e-mail that needs to be "proofed" before sending, a word of encouragement to a teammate, a smile as we hold the door for a staff member, or a surprise "thank you" note to an assistant for a job well done.
Whatever the task, remember that little things can make a big difference.
In their book, The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make all the Difference, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval argue that bigger is not always better.
In fact, these authors challenge all of us that our smallest actions, words, and gestures often lead to our greatest long-term rewards and outcomes.
In short, our kindness, willingness to help, attention to detail, attitude, desire to offer a positive word, or our simple "please" and "thank you" responses will make all the difference in building strong personal and team relations.
Team members tend to work harder when they know others care about them and want the best for them. As a result, our smallest actions and gestures often have the largest impact on our personal relationships and long-term team successes.
It doesn't take much but doing the little things may be the difference between playing a good game and winning.
Below are some "little things" that can give you the competitive advantage over others.
• Look for "little" opportunities
Look for opportunities to practice "little" actions and gestures that promote kindness and encouragement, as well as build commitment and confidence.
Offer a word of encouragement or be complimentary when others least expect it. Say "nice job", "please", "great work", "thank you", and "I appreciate your effort". Be positive, uplifting, and esteeming when working and interacting with other teammates.
• Double check and think again before you hit send
In the technology-driven world, every e-mail, text, twitter, Facebook posting, personal blog, as well as any on or off-field behaviours and interviews are but one small click away from becoming "front-page" news.
What you say, the words you choose, and how and where you choose to communicate things have the potential to be made available for all to see, read, and interpret.
So, re-read the email for proper wording and tone, think about how your text or tweet message might be perceived, make sure all addresses and names are correct, and consider who might read what you are posting and sending.
Stop, double check, and think again before you post it or send it.
• Remember every one matters
Everyone has something to offer the team. As an athlete, be sure to encourage your teammates and remind them how important and valuable they are to the team.
Coaches, look to build trust and confidence by treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Be purposeful in striving to make a positive impression with everyone. Everyone does matter and they need to feel like they do.
• Appreciate the little things
Slow down. At the end of each day make a list of three positive things that took place then take the time to appreciate them. Did your boss compliment your work? Did a subordinate compliment your supervising? Is a teammate's attitude getting better? Are your employees more responsive to your coaching changes? Are your team members "stepping up" and improving their leadership? Whatever was positive today, take the time to appreciate it.
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Source: championshipcoachesnetwork.com