As a leader in professional environment have you thought about the meaning of Labor Day and how you can on its spirit for yourself, your team and coworkers? For most of us these days Labor Day represents just another day off or perhaps a day to even catch up on work that has been piling up. But is there a way that you can honor the holiday in a way that is meaningful to those you work with?
The Labor Holiday that we celebrate today in the US has its origins in the violent struggle between industrial workers and industrialists/capitalists in the late 1800s. The holiday is most directly linked with the Pullman Strike in 1894 that saw the shut down of most of the rail system in US and the deaths of 30 workers and over $80million in damage. To this day the causes of the strike affect the views Americans have of workers, unions, and capitalists. The Labor Day holiday was signed into law a mere six days the end of the strike to honor the American worker.
How well do you related to Labor Day's historical events? Are they applicable to you? These days it's difficult to relate to living in company towns and other issues the led to the strike. However there is no shortage of bad feelings between staff and management at all levels in the organization. The American and global economies have changed significantly since the 1800s, including a significant rise in the number and types of white collar jobs, especially those that are considered managerial or "exempt". Most professionals these days fall into this category managerial professionals and do not neatly fall into either category represented by the sides of the Pullman Strike. In your position as an accountant, risk manager, economist, mid-level manager, or other professional what how can honor the spirit of the American worker in the office? As a leader what can you do to honor the people who work for you and with you?
Three Tips For Leaders To Appreciate Their Teams
Say Thank You: When was the last time you said thank you to the people on your team? Not just a passing "thanks" but an genuine, heartfelt thank you that includes a statement about what you are thankful for. One of the top complaints of workers, at any level, is they do not feel appreciated. For more ideas see Giving Thanks: A Time to Express Gratitude For Your Career Success.Be A Mentor: Showing that you care about your team members career by helping them achieve professional goals is another way to show that you value them. It's all too easy to see somone in a particular role, to rely on them to perform that job and take for granted they their current job is but one stop in their career path. While you may need someone to fulfill this role for a long time it's important to remember that over time staff will want to grow into other positions. Understand what it is they want to do and help them get the experience and knowledge they need to progress.Give a Gift: As a leader you depend on your team to be successful. While the company pays their salary and yours it's important to recognize that your pay depends on them too. Buy members of your team a small gift to show them that they matter to you personally and to acknowledge that you benefit from them just as the company does. Whether a book, a trinket or lunch make it something unique and special to the person.As part of your leadership development make it a point appreciate the people who work for you. Help them be successful and feel appreciated.
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