I heard this story years ago and it has stuck with me. A supervisor (Bill) at a global company was known for being tough. He didn’t see the need for recognizing his people for doing their job because that’s what they were hired to do. They’re doing what they’re paid for. Why should he pat them on the back for doing what they’re paid to do?
His manager (Jeff) appreciated him as a dependable member of his team, committed to achieving goals. Fortunately, Jeff was a good listener. He knew Bill loved football. He watched it on TV with friends on the weekends and enjoyed it even more when he saw his favorite team play in person.
Jeff asked, “When you go to a football game, do you sit in your seat while you watch your team play?”
“Yeah,” Bill replied.
“Do you stay in your seat and not say a word when they’re heading down the field?” he asked.
“No, I get up and yell,” he said.
“Why?” Jeff asked.
“Because I want them to make a goal. I want them to win,” Bill said, surprised at the question.
Jeff pushed a little further. “Why do you stand up and yell? They’re just doing their job. They’re paid to play football and win as many games as possible, right? Why do they need cheering?”
Bill countered, “Because I want them to know I’m there for them. It gets them fired up when they hear their fans in the crowd.”
Jeff then said, “So, if you cheer for your team when they carry the ball down the field, which they are paid to do, why wouldn’t you encourage your people to do the jobs they’re paid to do?”
Silence. Light bulb moment. Bill got it.
