Dear Stephen,
I work for a medium sized manufacturer, and we sell office furniture. I like what I do, I make good money, but I always have one eye open for the next best opportunity. Like many sales reps in the contract furniture industry, I often have aspired to be at one of the so-called “majors.”
I have a great boss and an even better CEO who seems to influence the culture here, a lot. I truly feel like my boss and CEO care about all of the employees, every single one of us. It could be a small thing like someone’s kid getting into a college they wanted, and the CEO will find out and personally congratulate them. He’s also very focused on work-life balance, and although we don’t have hybrid working here, I’m happy to report that no one has a noose around their neck at our company.
Recently, one of the dealers that I work with recommended me for a position at a bigger manufacturer and when they called me I decided to interview. It was a higher base salary for sure, and a prestigious brand. I went through all the steps and was offered a new job.
Being that I have a wife and kids, I could have used the additional money. But something just didn’t feel right in the various interview steps and the vibe I was getting from the people I interviewed with. Little things like strange interview questions and several of the interviews were rescheduled or delayed. During one of the Teams interviews the person interviewing me had their camera off… talk about awkward!
All in all, I did not get a good feeling about the company. Something just seemed a little off.
When I was back in my office the following week for a sales meeting, I realized right then and there how much I enjoyed working with my colleagues. Not just the boss or the CEO, but everyone I work with I genuinely like and respect as a person. I can’t overstate how important that feels. Not to be misunderstood; we have our gripes and could always use more money. Yet still there is something to be said about liking where you work, who you work with, and going into work in the morning means looking forward to seeing friends, maybe even family, and feeling appreciated.
While I’ll never say “no” to taking an interview at another company to learn about their culture, I feel lucky that I’m desperate or that I need to jump to say “yes” to a new job offer. On this new job offer, I never resigned, and I never told my boss, I wasn’t trying to get a counteroffer.
What I did, however, after declining the offer, was go to work the next morning with a smile on my face.
Signed,
It’s Nice To Feel Appreciated
Dear Appreciated,
I appreciate hearing your story and I think all my readers will appreciate it as well.
I often tell my CEO clients or the sales managers that I recruit for, sometimes a little appreciation shown to your employees is better and more effective than a raise. It’s important to remember to tell your employees, frequently, that you appreciate them. And not just a desperate attempt after they have submitted their resignation letter, when it’s too late.
Here is a tip for CEOs of companies big and small: tell your area Vice Presidents and Regional Managers that you want to know when there is a milestone moment in one of your employees’ lives.
This could be something like the birth of a child, a sick wife or a husband in the hospital, someone’s graduation – whatever is important that’s going on in their lives. Why not take some time out of your day to send a text or a phone call? It shows you care.
Those of you reading this who fit into the “employee” category here, this likewise applies to you in regard to letting your boss know they are appreciated. (Yes – even the boss needs to know they are appreciated). It pays dividends!
I remember many years ago when I started my first sales job at #Haworth in New York City I received a turkey, literally – a turkey, just before Thanksgiving from the Haworth family. I understand it’s a tradition that has carried on through today with the turkey now being replaced with a ‘turkey certificate’ and members have come to expect it as part of working there. It’s a little thing, but it’s part of the culture and it made me feel appreciated.
I also fondly remember how at Haworth we were called “members,” not employees. There is something special about that as well, a simple but meaningful change in terminology that doesn’t cost the company a dime.
I hear similar employee appreciation stories from people at #MillerKnoll, #Steelcase, #Teknion, #Global, #Modernus and #OFS. Just to name a few.
While it’s nice to write and talk about being appreciated at one’s company, the most important thing is to actually send that email, text, or to just say it; “I appreciate you, and I enjoy working with you,” to your boss, your employee, your coworker and even your client. And, BTW, expressing your appreciation is not just for your business life – it can also be a game changer in your personal and family life. Give it a try.
And if you don’t feel appreciated… call me! Happy Holidays.
Signed,
Stephen
fixed
A Little Appreciation Goes A Long Way
Dear Stephen,
I work for a medium-sized manufacturer selling office furniture. I like what I do and make good money, but like many sales reps in the contract furniture industry, I've always kept an eye out for opportunities at one of the so-called "majors."
I have a great boss and an even better CEO who significantly shapes our culture here. I truly feel like they care about every single employee. The CEO will personally congratulate someone when their child gets into their chosen college—it's those small gestures that matter. He's also very focused on work-life balance, and while we don't have hybrid working, there's no micromanagement here.
Recently, a dealer recommended me for a position at a larger manufacturer. When they called, I decided to interview. The role offered a higher base salary and a prestigious brand name. I went through the entire process and received an offer.
With a family to support, the additional money would have been welcome. However, something felt off during the interview process. There were odd interview questions, multiple reschedulings, and during one Teams interview, the interviewer kept their camera off—quite awkward!
The whole experience left me with an uneasy feeling about the company.
Back at my office the following week for a sales meeting, I had an epiphany about how much I enjoy working with my colleagues. It's not just my boss or the CEO—I genuinely like and respect everyone I work with. That's incredibly valuable. Sure, we have our complaints and could always use more money, but there's something special about looking forward to seeing your work family each morning and feeling truly appreciated.
While I'm always open to learning about other companies' cultures through interviews, I'm fortunate not to feel desperate for a change. With this offer, I never resigned or approached my boss for a counteroffer.
What I did, however, after declining the offer, was go to work the next morning with a smile on my face.
Signed,
It's Nice To Feel Appreciated
---------------------------
Dear Appreciated,
I appreciate hearing your story and I believe all my readers will too.
I often tell my CEO clients and the sales managers I recruit for that showing appreciation to employees can be more effective than a raise. It's crucial to regularly tell your employees you value them—not just as a desperate gesture after they've handed in their resignation.
Here's a tip for CEOs of companies big and small: ask your area Vice Presidents and Regional Managers to keep you informed about milestone moments in your employees' lives.
Whether it's the birth of a child, a spouse in the hospital, or a graduation—whatever matters in their lives—take a moment to send a text or make a call. It demonstrates genuine care.
Those of you who are employees, remember this applies to you too—let your boss know they are appreciated. (Yes, even bosses need to feel valued.) It pays dividends!
I remember when I started my first sales job at #Haworth in New York City, I received an actual turkey before Thanksgiving from the Haworth family. I understand this tradition continues today, though now with a 'turkey certificate,' and members have come to expect it. It's a small gesture, but it's woven into the culture and made me feel valued.
I also fondly remember how at Haworth we were called "members," not employees. There's something special about that—a simple yet meaningful shift in terminology that costs nothing.
I hear similar employee appreciation stories from people at #MillerKnoll, #Steelcase, #Teknion, #Global, #Modernus and #OFS. Just to name a few.
While it's nice to discuss workplace appreciation, what matters most is taking action—sending that email, text, or simply saying, "I appreciate you, and I enjoy working with you" to your boss, employee, coworker, or client. And by the way, expressing appreciation isn't just for business—it can transform your personal and family life too. Give it a try.
And if you don't feel appreciated... call me! Happy Holidays.
Signed,
Stephen