You’ve probably heard of the phrase love languages related to showing appreciation to someone you care about. Couples practice love languages to strengthen their relationship, and parents use them to bond with their children. Initially published in Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, the critically acclaimed author has adapted the same rule of thought for professionals. His new book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. But appreciation can be shown and acted on in professional ways too. Continue reading to learn what languages of appreciation have to do with your team members and your practice. Plus, find out ways to show appreciation to your team members while speaking their language of appreciation.
What’s the purpose of languages of appreciation?
To bring the team together and have a clear understanding of what makes each person feel appreciated in the workplace. Understanding and taking action with these languages connect the team member to the company more. This creates loyalty, increases values for them and the company. You will see less turnover and better work quality from your team.
How to discover your team member’s languages of appreciation
Learning someone’s love language is more than just asking them. It’s a process.
Below are 10 steps to get you and your team started on the journey to understanding how to show appreciation to each other
- Step 1: Purchase Five Languages of Appreciation Books for the team to read.
- Step 2: Give a deadline of 10 days to read.
- Step 3: Discuss as a team over an extended lunch.
- Step 4: Divide into teams of 3-4 to discuss the book.
- Step 5: Print (1) worksheet per team member and (1) master copy for the office.
- Step 6: Go around the room and have each team member identify their two 2 languages of appreciation.
- Step 7: Place their names in the boxes that apply to them.
- Step 8: Now that everyone’s languages of appreciation are on the worksheet, come up with examples of how to express them in your office.
- Step 9: Return books to the office for future use!
- Step 10: Each new team member that joins the team should be given a book and languages identified. The team can share during lunch their languages and how they are implemented each day in the practice.
What are the 5 languages of appreciation?
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Acts of Service
This can be shown in providing assistance. Ask the team member, “How can I help?” Be sure to ask before helping. Do it their way. Keep a positive and upbeat attitude while helping out, and be sure to complete the task. Perhaps you may offer to stay late or come in early to help take care of your team member’s tasks for them. Just be sure that your own duties and responsibilities are cared for first.
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Words of Affirmation
Using words to communicate a positive message to another team member might include praise for a job well done or something the team member did well. Praise can be spoken or written and can be done privately (one-on-one) or publicly, like in a team meeting.
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Quality Time
Quality time in the workplace can simply be giving the team member your undivided attention. Perhaps you might work together on a project, have an off-site retreat with your entire team, go for a walk during lunch or have a sit down together during lunch. Quality time could even be a short phone call to check in on a team member when they are out of the office. The idea is to give your undivided attention to the team member. No distractions. No phones. No interruptions.
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Gifts
Many times, people think of gifts as tangible items. Still, food is one of the most common gifts to give someone and is likely to be received well. Find out your team member’s favorite treat or food, and gift it to them. You might even find it appropriate to gift team members extra time off if they accomplish a difficult task or achievement. The gift can be small and inexpensive. Still, it should be something that the team member values.
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Physical Touch
This is the least common language of appreciation in the workplace, although it can still be done appropriately. For instance, high-fives, fist bumps, handshakes, or brief hugs during an emotional or challenging time.
Dental Practice Coaching
Showing appreciation and encouragement could make a significant difference in your team and their performance. Ultimately, it is the driving force for keeping your employees coming to work each day. Just like you strive to find ways to keep your patients coming back to see you, showing appreciation to your team members will keep them coming back too. For more tips on how to show appreciation to your dental practice team, contact Bryant Consultants at (877) 768-4799.
