Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - November/December 2021 - 30

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self-healing. Start in your department by sharing two of your
feelings to get the ball rolling and watch what happens. It's
utterly amazing to witness what self-vulnerability does for team
building.
RECOGNIT ION
There are multiple layers to building great teams and staff
retention is a key element. Being transparent and expressing
your appreciation daily is great; however, take that appreciation
a step further and recognize them individually. Consider
writing personalized thank you notes expressing appreciation
for the things they do daily. Do this every day for a week and
watch the response. Often in management we think recognition
only comes in the monetary form. Money is good, but people
want and need to feel appreciated. Simply recognizing someone
in front of their peers goes a long way, even for a simple task.
Try it!
VALUE
Longevity of teams is not tied to salary. Transparent
organizations show value to their employees and provide a
culture that makes people want to be there. Value is often
misunderstood; value is the big picture-not the $25 bonus that
you gave last month. The value that employees look for extends
beyond the paycheck. Value is that feeling of knowing they are
being heard, willingness to go that extra mile not because they
must, but because they know you will do the same for them.
Value is knowing that they are more than just a body to you.
Do you ask your employees how they are doing, or how their
kids are doing in school or, better yet, is there anything I can do
for you? These small gestures cost nothing but help with your
attrition rates.
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
This one is so easy but it's often missed or left unfulfilled by
many managers. I mentioned before that little things are what
make people want to run through a wall for you, pick up shifts,
and handle the small things so they do not call you on Saturday
morning.
At the beginning of the pandemic when toilet paper was scarce
I purchased three cases and we gave each employee two rolls
after their COVID test-let me reiterate two rolls, not two
cases, with this simple note: " We are all in this s... together. "
That simple gesture was so well received and appreciated, staff
members were walking up and down the halls talking about
AFTER EVERY STORM there is sunshine.
That is how we need to look at our new
reality-it's an opportunity to build
better systems and practices within our
communities.
it and saying, " we're in this together. " It was a huge morale
booster in a time of need. The management team has been
intentional about being transparent in showing kindness for all
the staff. Sometimes it's hard to believe how far giving someone
a candy bar, a glazed donut, or a simple ice cream bar goes in
making others feel sincerely appreciated.
MENTAL AND PHYS I CAL HEALTH
The CDM, CFPP is a Servant Leader by nature, putting others
and their care before ourselves. One thing the past year has
taught us all is that we must be transparent with ourselves in
recognizing our own mental or physical challenges. Physical
health is vital to our ability to function daily, but there is
another area that is often ignored-not just by us but by many:
mental health. During a pandemic, major crisis, or any other
life-altering event it is common that many will suffer from
increased anxiety, distress, and weight change. In the case of
COVID-19, we experienced more social isolation, as did those
in our care. Remember these tips to help you and others deal
with these issues.
* Just like our vehicles, we too need tune ups, so perform
regular evaluations of you. Look for signs of depression,
insomnia, and mood swings. Remember everyone needs
someone to talk/vent to, if not a close friend, supervisor or
even a colleague, then consider professional help.
* Go off the grid, take a break from the 24-hour news cycles
and social media, and spend time meditating. There are some
great apps that help with self-meditation.
30 NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE EDGE | November-December 2021
Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - November/December 2021

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