by Cathy Sedacca
In my past professional life in a large corporation, I worked as part of a team that was considered a “cost center.” On its face, the name implied we were sort of a necessary evil. But, unfortunately, it was more than just an ill-conceived moniker.
Whenever our manager wanted to reward us for the work we had done, she had to fight upper management tooth and nail to spend money on things as trivial as a lunchtime pizza party.
Meanwhile, the company’s “profit center” departments enjoyed what appeared to be unlimited expense budgets when it came to their choice of opulent rewards, travel accommodations and food.
I never quite understood the inequity. I saw both the cost and profit centers working together toward a common goal—neither able to accomplish the company’s goals without the other.
And the truth was no one in our department expected lavish rewards. We simply wanted to feel appreciated for our hard work.
I do recall one manager who did communicate her appreciation during my time at that company. She sat me down and expressed some really nice things about me and the work I had done.
It’s funny; I don’t remember the words she used, but I still—20 years later—vividly remember how she made me feel.
It’s the little things
Today, I’m grateful for that experience because I know I’m a better business owner for having lived it.
As a result, I always take time to express my gratitude for the work our team does.
Karen Turnquist and I do offer formal recognition and rewards as a means of thanking our team members. But I think it’s the less formal expressions of gratitude that have the most impact.
And so, as we prepare to take stock of what we’re thankful for in our lives this Thanksgiving, don’t forget those with whom you work.
As an entrepreneur or business owner it can be easy to lose sight of those things amid the challenge of growing your business and pursuing your goals. But keep in mind how impactful those seemingly insignificant expressions of gratitude can be to your team’s efforts to reach those goals.
What are you grateful for?
Looking to be more intentional about showing your gratitude around the office? I suggest taking a few minutes to write down the things you’re thankful for.
In fact, here are some of the things I’m grateful for at Sage:
—Having a team that works as a team. We learn from each other—through both success and failures. There are no “cost centers.” We all contribute to the success and well-being of Sage. We share responsibility for the things that go well and for the things that don’t. There is no one superstar on our team. We are a true team.
— Having a team that shares my values. As Karen so eloquently wrote about last month, core values are critical to the success of any company. When a team’s values mesh, everyone is happier, works more effectively and feels a greater reward.
—Our business partners. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people. (Many of you are reading this now.) I love building relationships with the people in my business community—hearing about their children, vacations, wins and challenges. And I love making connections and introductions aimed at helping them reach their goals. Most of all, I’m grateful that many of those people put their trust in me and in Sage when they refer their clients and connections to us. It would be a lot harder to do what we do if we didn’t have so many people who believe in us.
—Our clients. Karen always says that our clients trust us with their two most important things: their customers and their cash. Every client that chooses to work with Sage is putting their faith in our promises. I’m grateful for that trust and the opportunity to help them be successful.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Cathy Sedacca is director of sales and marketing for Sage Business Credit. She partnered with Karen Turnquist to found Sage because she believed they could do what had been done by others, but better. Working closely with clients who share the same vision for their own business is the best part of her job.