The Case For Catching People Doing Something Right

By making an effort to reach out for positive reasons and engaging in conversations that go beyond work, you’ll build a stronger and more meaningful connection with your team.

It’s a busy afternoon, and you’ve been caught up in sales calls and meetings throughout the day. You’ve managed to take the occasional breather to refill your water and catch your breath.

Your plan is to wrap up everything in the next hour and make it to your son’s baseball game. But before you can do that, there’s one more task at hand—a proposal for a very important new client that you’ll be presenting in the morning.

Just as you’re starting to feel the pressure, your phone starts ringing, and you glance down to see that it’s “The Boss” calling.

You let out a deep sigh, fully aware that this call will likely mean extra work that might make you late for the game.

Reluctantly, you answer.

What Your Caller ID Says About You

We’ve all been in situations where the number flashing on our phone screen sends a message even before we’ve picked up the call.

“School Clinic” indicates that one of our kids is at the nurse’s office, probably not feeling well.

“PetSmart” reminds us that our furry companion is due for a shot that needs scheduling. And when “Meredith” appears, we can’t help but smile because it’s our sister, and we know it’ll be a fun conversation.

No matter what our role is, it’s crucial that our phone number doesn’t elicit sighs or disappointment on the other end.

So, here are some best practices to ensure that your number is a welcome one.

DO:

Call to Congratulate or Appreciate

Pick up the phone to congratulate someone on a new account they’ve secured or to express your appreciation for their hard work on a recent project. A simple call can go a long way in boosting morale and building a positive connection. Hearing your voice and sincerity can make them feel valued and recognized.

Ask About Personal Matters

Take a moment to inquire about your team members’ families, pets, or something you may have seen on social media. Showing genuine interest in their lives beyond work demonstrates that you value them as individuals, not just as employees. It helps create a more personal and friendly bond.

Check-In and Offer Support

Make occasional calls to see how things are going and how you can provide support. This gesture shows that you care about their well-being and are invested in their success. It also opens the door for them to share any challenges or concerns they may be facing, allowing you to offer guidance or assistance.

DON’T:

Exclusively Rely On Emails For Praise

While emails can be efficient for certain communication, the emotional connection is stronger during a phone call. Hearing someone’s voice and conveying your appreciation directly can have a more profound impact on the recipient. It shows that you took the time and effort to reach out personally, making the praise more meaningful.

Only Call For Scheduled 1:1s or When You Need Something

Don’t limit your calls to scheduled meetings or situations where you require something from your team. Reach out spontaneously to foster a sense of camaraderie and connection. Initiating conversations without a specific agenda shows that you value their presence beyond tasks and deadlines.

Solely Focus On Business

Remember that your team members are more than just workers. Engage in conversations beyond work-related matters. Show genuine care and interest in their lives to strengthen your relationship. Discussing hobbies, interests, or recent events helps create a friendly and supportive work environment.

What Message Are You Sending?

Take a moment today to reflect on the message your phone number sends.

Have you become so caught up in your busy schedule that the only time you call is when you need something or when something goes wrong?

It’s essential to ensure that your calls are not solely associated with problems or demands. By making an effort to reach out for positive reasons and engaging in conversations that go beyond work, you’ll build a stronger and more meaningful connection with your team.

Prioritize Your Work Relationships

Because we all lead hectic lives, it’s helpful to establish a best practice of setting recurring calendar invites for yourself to “make team calls.” Block off dedicated time on your schedule to proactively reach out to your team members.

Treat these calls as important appointments to prioritize the relationships and well-being of your team. Alternatively, make use of your drive time or any other periods of downtime to pick up the phone and check in with members of your team.

A simple call during these moments can make a significant impact and show that you genuinely care.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll ensure that your calls are received with excitement rather than being dismissed as “Spam” calls.

You’ll create an environment where your team members look forward to hearing from you and view your calls as a source of support, recognition, and connection.

Remember, your number should be associated with positivity and genuine care.

In the hustle and bustle of work, it’s easy to get caught up in our own agendas and prioritize business matters over personal connections.

However, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate the message our actions send. Have you gotten so busy that the only time you call is when you need something or when something is wrong? If so, it’s time to shift your approach.

Building strong relationships with your team members requires effort and investment. It means going beyond the professional realm and demonstrating that you truly care about their well-being and success.

Evaluate Your Current Internal Communications

So, take a moment to reflect on your current practices. Consider the frequency and purpose of your calls.

Are you providing support and appreciation? Are you taking the time to check in on a personal level?

Evaluate how you can improve and make adjustments accordingly.

Remember, your team members are not just cogs in the machine; they are individuals with their own lives, challenges, and aspirations.

When you prioritize meaningful connections, you foster a positive work culture, boost morale, and inspire your team to give their best.

So, make it a habit to pick up the phone and create moments of genuine connection. Your calls will be received with more excitement and anticipation, making a positive impact on both productivity and team dynamics.

Make Time For Connection

No matter your role, the message your phone number sends is essential. By adhering to these best practices, such as calling to congratulate or appreciate, showing interest in personal matters, and offering support, you can ensure that your number is a welcome one.

Avoid solely relying on emails for praise, calling only for scheduled meetings or when you need something, and solely focusing on business matters.

Make an effort to prioritize meaningful connections with your team by setting aside time for team calls and reaching out spontaneously.

By taking these steps, your calls will be received with more excitement and enthusiasm, creating a positive work environment where your team members feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel.

An important part of developing a high performing sales team and creating a collaborative work environment is hiring the right salespeople. Download our FREE Ultimate Sales Interview Guide and learn how to source, recruit, hire, and retain top sales talent.