Forget THINK Tanks, We Need THANK Tanks
I'd like your feedback on a new idea of mine which I have playfully named THANK TANKS (with the help of one of my FB friends).
The idea, still rough, is for organizations to provide their employees with a practical way to express their appreciation (of each other and the business) -- instead of always harping on what's wrong.
In the same way that Quality Circles were a big hit in the 80's, THANK TANKS (i.e. "Appreciation Circles"), might be exactly what the doctor ordered for these difficult times.
The idea is related to the practice of Appreciative Inquiry, but is not focused on improving organizational processes. Rather, it focuses on the all-too-rare moment of people appreciating each other.
I realize that some business leaders will consider this a trivial pursuit. So be it.
I'm betting there are many forward thinking leaders who will be open to the idea -- especially if the execution of it is simple, engaging, low cost, and raises morale.
Your thoughts? Ideas? Feedback? How do you see this working in your company?
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at January 20, 2011 12:41 PM
Comments
Sorry Mitch, twee and horrible. The name puts my teeth on edge, and employees won't see it as playful, they'll see it as utterly lame.
Leaders have to realise that the employees aren't always all-singing and dancing about working there. Hey, maybe they should be, but the realpolitik of the situation is that they aren't.
This would be perceived by the workforce as being forced to participate in yet another happy-clappy waste of time to assuage the boss's ego.
Bad idea on every level.
Posted by: David Alexander ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/nav-commenters.gif)
at January 20, 2011 05:12 AM
This has been around for years... most commonly called a "Peer-2-Peer" recognition program. Each employee can recognize and reward any other employee for behaviors and accomplishments that connect with company mission/values.
Common names for these programs are Bravo, Kudo's, Applause - all designed to allow employees control over the recognition events within a company.
Almost every recognition and reward company has some version of this today. Unless I'm missing your point and your idea has a different spin to it?
Posted by: Paul Hebert at January 20, 2011 07:08 AM
Yes, Paul, my THANK TANK idea has a different spin on it than the tradtional peer-to-peer reward programs. THANK TANKS are not about giving rewards to people. It's about the daily APPRECIATING of people in small, authentic ways. It's a way to change the conversation in the work place -- a way for people to be forthcoming about their appreciation of others -- not just in formal ceremonies where THINGS are given, but in the way in which people authentically take responsibility for acknowledging the value others (not just their peers) are bringing to the table. This can be done formally (in some kind of sit down group gathering) or it can be done informally, in elevators, hallways, lunchrooms, parking lots, and health clubs. A little authentic appreciation expressed in the workplace can make all the difference,
Posted by: Mitch Ditkoff at January 21, 2011 02:34 AM
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