Last month I issued the challenge to submit your “Six Words about Work” to the Mercer/SMITH Magazine contest. The contest sought to add color to the key findings of Mercer’s global What’s Working survey, which partially found:
While U.S. employees voiced concerns and frustrations about work through the survey, they also confirmed that certain factors contribute significantly to their motivation and engagement at work, including:
- Being treated with respect (82 percent cited this factor as being very important to motivation and engagement);
- The quality of leadership in the organization (75 percent);
- Being able to provide good service to others (75 percent);
- The quality of the people they work with (74 percent).”
Winning words, well chosen
I can’t say I’m all that surprised by Mercer’s survey findings, and I think my own submissions reflected that ethos:
- Ignored, Demotivated, Underperform. Noticed, Recognized, Engaged.
- When I’m thanked, my performance excels.
- “Thanks” is easy, so give more.
- Appreciation creates winning cultures of recognition.
But the winners’ submissions (as reported in a Mercer press release) were well chosen:
For the “Best Boss I Ever Had” category:
- “Promoted truth, justice and eventually, me.” – U.S. winner.
- “Advised: Be CEO of own workspace.” – Canada winner.
- “Hid tears behind a stern face.” – UK winner.
For the “Biggest Lesson I Learned at Work” category:
- “Press every button until printer works.” – U.S. winner.
- “Follow your heart, not the salary.” – Canada winner.
- “Make cups of tea, build bridges.” – UK winner.
What are your six words? Alternately, what winning six words do you identify with the most?
You can find more from Derek Irvine on his Recognize This! blog.