BPO and IT outsourcing are complex. Not everything goes according to plan.
So when a milestone is reached or another target is met, do celebrate that moment and give a compliment to the team involved.
Write an email. Buy a cake. Record a personal video message.
Success and gratitude guaranteed. Costs (almost) nothing.
I know from 25+ years of outsourcing experience it is sometimes difficult to find a reason to compliment someone or a team. It is easy to focus on things that go wrong. It is harder to concentrate on accomplishments. Our brains just seem to be wired like that.
I’d encourage you to make an effort to find anything worth complimenting on. If you try you’ll always find something, even if it’s a small achievement of a coworker. Like a happy customer, a good presentation or a good email.
In some work cultures receiving praises is an important part of performance cycles and career advancements. Do keep that in mind when working internationally.
I have been asked in the past to provide positive feedback to team members from such cultures. It reminded me to shift focus to their positive contributions. Do make sure the praises are genuine, as explained here.
This Harvard Business Review article emphasizes the effect of frequent complimenting and creating a culture of positive feedback. To this end, you may want to consider incorporating this culture into your program governance.
At one of my clients we discuss in a fortnightly governance meeting what goes well and what could be improved in the collaboration with its IT partners. If something has gone well the management team is encouraged to provide positive feedback.
Extras
- Read here about five reasons why you should give compliments.
- Did you know that compliments activate the same part of your brain as getting cash?
- Interesting Yahoo article on seven career benefits of giving compliments.
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Interesting post