High Five Tools > adapted from Gary Chapman

The High Five tools are based upon Gary Chapman's writings on how people preferred to be recognized and appreciated. I have adapted his concept for the workplace although he might have already done so. I need to research that.

The basic premise is that people want to be recognized and appreciated in five ways. Most people have a dominant preference. For some people it might change when looking at the their "professional self" rather than their "personal self." Some folks are, or at least claim to be, very different personally than they are professionally. The key here is that: studies show people are motivated when their environment is motivating. This means if we recognize their contributions, they are more likely to continue the same behavior.

Below are the High Five tools:

1. Words of affirmation
2. Acts of service
3. Tokens
4. Physical touch
5. Quality time and conversation

Several of these actually can be combined. Below are examples of actions you can take in the workplace to show recognition and appreciation. Be aware that you must adhere to the Platinum Rule which is: treat others how THEY want to be treated. Find out what your employees' or coworkers' primary High Five is.

• Write a brief email to the recipient that is specific and complimentary. This is both #1 and #3 because the recipient could print it out if they wanted to. You can take this to the next level and write a longer email and then it becomes #5 because the recipient will know it took you a little while to compose it.
• Make a conscious effort to remove obstacles that prevent them from achieving a goal, professionally or personally. This is primarily #2. It could also become #5 because the recipient will know it took you time and effort to remove those obstacles. An example would be: your employee has been sharing with you, or the office, that they are trying to lose weight. If you work in a large complex or facility, you might arrange a closer parking space to the company gym.
• Shake their hand, look them in the eyes and say "Thank you. You did an excellent job on [specific and complimentary accomplishment]." This is #1 and #4 combined.
• "Pop in" to their office for a few minutes. This is #5. See if they can chat for a few minutes. Talk and listen to them about anything not related to work that is still appropriate (sports, weather, kids). The recipient will just be happy that you spent your valuable time talking to them about them. If you want to take it to the next level, you can use this time to give words of affirmation. Then you have combined #1 and #5.

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