SHARE YOUR APPRECIATION
Several weeks ago I was the opening keynote speaker for the Joint Commission in Illinois, which is a regulatory association in the Healthcare Industry. I had a wonderful experience, thanks in good part to the meeting planner who was so efficient in caring for all the details.
I spoke on “Spreading Contagious Enthusiasm™ — Creating Workplaces of Passion, Purpose, and Productivity,” and in that presentation I use the acronym “CARE” as the elements of a joyful, fully engaged workplace:
C= Creative Communication
A = Atmosphere and Appreciation for All
R = Respect and Reason for Being
E = Empathy and Enthusiasm
I also use the metaphor of “sending” a “CARE Package” when we make a human level connection with someone. In Adult Learning theory, both the acronym and the metaphor are called “Anchors” to help internalize the learning.
When I returned home from this engagement, as usual I sent the meeting planner a thank you note and a lovely, small, handblown ceramic package as a memory of the “CARE Package” theme.
Yesterday, I received this note from her:
Dear Barbara,
Just a quick note to thank you for the beautiful “gift/present” figurine. In all my 13 years working here, I have never received any gift from past faculty. The best part? It came just a few days before my birthday! I SO enjoyed working with you. Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Susan
We never know when a little appreciation can deeply impact a life. And guess what – this organization has already booked me to speak at their conference next year!
To learn more about Barbara’s work, go to www.barbaraglanz.com/programs.
