Each week we get notes from around the world, written by folks who are living the Carrot Principle. Here is a particular poignant story sent from Dr. Todd Hillyard.
“I’m a pediatric dentist who owns a practice in Vancouver, WA. Morale in my office had been waning, in large part because I was discouraged by the lack of attention to detail, processes and systems by my staff. Frustration with those issues leaked into my moods—my staff sure tells me when I’m being a grump! My wife came back from a recent conference and taught me the Carrot Principle after hearing a presentation by the authors. I thought it sounded fluffy and too obvious to really have an impact (admitted skeptic here). More to prove her wrong than anything, I made an effort to thank people more, focus on their positive actions, and compliment them the following day. When I reported to my wife that it didn’t seem to help, she asked what I had praised, why I had thanked, etc. I couldn’t really answer. We spent some time talking about what was important to my employees as individuals (rewards) and, even more time talking about WHAT I should be praising and how. I recognized that by praising—often publicly—specific actions that reinforce the values and behaviors we want in our office it really meant something to them.
“After a single day of this, I had two employees come back and thank me specifically for noticing and tell me how much what I said had meant to them. Other employees are taking note of those actions that elicited praise. Also, we’ve started a game in the office where employees can write compliments about each other when they see specific behaviors that are in line with what we have identified as our top priorities.
“To sum it up, I’m happier, my staff is happier, the kids (patients) are happier and we’re performing better. I like focusing on and looking for the good things. The ugly stuff that was consuming me doesn’t seem as dramatic and I certainly plan to keep it that way!“
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