Are you a small, big or huge person? What kind of manager are you? Do you know what makes someone want to work for you and are you doing it?

My father-in-law died a few weeks ago. Domenic Nucci was 91 years old, a WWII veteran who was awarded three bronze stars, married for 59 years and I adored him.

I have four brothers and one sister. Two of my brothers sent cards to my mother-in-law immediately. After a call from me, two of my siblings sent her flowers. However, my oldest brother, whom I also called, has yet to send her a card. It could be that he is pre-menopausal.

Now, you would think that since my mother-in-law has been in his life for over 27 years he would send a card out of common decency. But I forgot that my brother is a VIP. You see he makes lots of money. Just ask him, he'll tell you. Over and over and over again. Sit next to him. It will be an evening you will never forget!

This past August my brother turned 50. I called my sister in law and asked what she did for his 50th birthday thinking she had some fancy soiree and just didn't invite little old insignificant me. I figured only the socially acceptable were invited. You know, like Huey, Duey and Luey. Then I found out she did nothing. Now why would I wonder no one did anything??? All anybody had to do was sit next to him!

Of course I intiated a surprise party for him. And he was like a little boy. OK, I'm a little slow on the uptake. The VIP is probably on Lost or counting his gold with Scrooge McDuck. He chooses to be small. Will I be angry? No. I chose to be huge. Instead, I will send a flowers and sign his name. Lost is probably in his future.

What is the point? Every day by our small actions, we choose if they are thoughtful deeds that we do to make a difference in someones life. It is by our small actions is how we make a difference in our employee's life. It's the card you send, the phone call you make to cheer someone up, the recognition you give to someone for a job well done, the thanks to a co-worker for their support on a project, the email to your subordinate that says you are proud of their work on a project and their contribution to your team.

People need to know that they matter. They need to know they are important. All it takes is some small way to show that you care. People need to know that their words or actions made a difference in the lives of others. And I know this will be hard for you to believe...but no one can read minds. They need to be TOLD! Without recognition of our contributions there is no significance to our life.

When we withhold recognition of others by saying NOTHING, our silence sends the message that person is invisible---they are not important. We did not exist in the hearts or minds of that person. And by the lack of recognition we eradicate their existence and significance. Your lack of action--that silence invalidates us---and kills our soul and our energy.

There is nothing more important than to validate another human being's importance. For there are two things all humanity needs

1. to be important
2. to be loved

Every single person needs both. They are sustenance for the soul. If you can provide these feelings for every person then you increase their feeling of self worth. You maximize your return on investment. Think about it. Who would you rather work for? Appeal to your own greed. Its pretty simple isn't it?

Many managers fail to recognize what motivates another human being--it is not money, though greed can be a powerful and seductive negative motivator; it is not sex, yet another powerful and seductive motivator; it is recognition that your contribution has made a difference to humanity......and a justifiable reward for the contribution.

What kind of manager are you?

Copyright 2006 Ev Nucci

Categories: news business blogs blogosphere viral marketing 2.0 web money career management PR blogs business 2.0 web web remaining relevant Ev Nucci