Six Winning Words About Work: Do They Sound Like You?

Last month I issued the challenge to submit your “Six Words about Work” to the Mercer/SMITH Magazine contest. The contest sought to add color to the key findings of Mercer’s global What’s Working survey, which partially found:

While U.S. employees voiced concerns and frustrations about work through the survey, they also confirmed that certain factors contribute significantly to their motivation and engagement at work, including:

Being treated with respect (82 percent cited this factor as being very important to motivation and engagement);

The quality of leadership in the organization (75 percent);

Being able to provide good service to others (75 percent);

The quality of the people they work with (74 percent).”

Winning words, well chosen

I can’t say I’m all that surprised by Mercer’s survey findings, and I think my own submissions reflected that ethos:

Ignored, Demotivated, Underperform. Noticed, Recognized, Engaged.
When I’m thanked, my performance excels.
“Thanks” is easy, so give more.
Appreciation creates winning cultures of recognition.

But the winners’ submissions (as reported in a Mercer press release) were well chosen:

For the “Best Boss I Ever Had” category:

“Promoted truth, justice and eventually, me.” – U.S. winner.
“Advised: Be CEO of own workspace.” – Canada winner.
“Hid tears behind a stern face.” – UK winner.

For the “Biggest Lesson I Learned at Work” category:

“Press every button until printer works.” – U.S. winner.
“Follow your heart, not the salary.” – Canada winner.
“Make cups of tea, build bridges.” – UK winner.

What are your six words? Alternately, what winning six words do you identify with the most?

You can find more from Derek Irvine on his Recognize This! blog.