Smack in the middle of September, those relaxed days of summer punctuated by vacation plans and beach reads start to feel like they were a bit of a fever dream. With the end of quarter three approaching, conference season and business development must-dos in full swing, most teams are in overdrive, doing their level best to master the art of the juggle. While our colleagues might not always express the extent of their overwhelm, an unexpected kind word or gesture goes a long way!
As someone who has spent the majority of their professional life writing for a living, I often have the written words, but don’t always have the spoken words to meet the moment. So if you’re anything like me and need a primer on ways to “pump up” your colleagues beyond another bagel breakfast (because let’s be honest, we’ve all reached our carb quota for the quarter), here are a few suggestions to keep in your back pocket.
“Let’s see what’s possible.”
One of our clients, who brings a thoughtful perspective to every situation, shared that instead of saying an outright “no” to a request, she responds with, “Let’s see what’s possible.” This simple statement can make someone feel relieved, heard, and may even lower their blood pressure! Possibility lifts everyone, so responding, then acting with intention to see what is, in fact, possible (even if it involves some creative problem-solving worthy of a Netflix plot twist) is a supportive way forward.
“I appreciate you.”
A colleague of mine, who always seemed to have the exact right thing to say when times got tough, easily lifted me out of any doldrums I was experiencing by telling me I was appreciated. When that board report is on its zillionth edit or that run of show for your business appreciation week event feels like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, telling someone you appreciate their efforts going above and beyond feels good because it IS good! Sometimes the simplest statements pack the biggest punch.
“How can I best support you right now?”
Whether your vantage point is from the C-suite or a cubicle, being reassured by a board member, project partner, supervisor, or colleague that you’re there to walk alongside them can ease the burden of what you’re carrying! Let’s face it: adult life is messy. Personal stressors can morph into workplace worries that make seemingly small tasks feel insurmountable in the moment. When you say this and mean it, it communicates that you care about the person as well as the professional, and that you “see” them in a way that feels supportive. And when you carry through, that morale boost can translate into stronger loyalty and a work ethic to match!
The Element of Surprise (Without Clowns and Scares)
Recognizing team members in surprising, special ways is a surefire mood and productivity booster! Here are a few ideas that work well and won’t require a second mortgage:
Time is the ultimate luxury: Offer “golden hour” passes that let someone leave an hour early or start an hour late. In a world where time feels more precious than artisanal coffee, giving someone back an hour is like handing them a small miracle.
The lost art of handwriting: Write handwritten thank-you notes with specific examples of their impact. Yes, with an actual pen. Your team will be so surprised to receive something that isn’t a digital notification, they might frame it.
Comfort in a package: Create care packages with their favorite snacks, tea, or small comfort items. Pro tip: if you know someone’s go-to stress snack is unsalted kale chips, embrace it. Judgment-free zones make the best workplaces.
Strategic caffeine deployment: Surprise a teammate with an unexpected gift card for coffee or lunch on you. Because nothing says “I see your dedication” quite like funding their afternoon latte ritual.
The ultimate gift: Give a surprise half-day or full-day off when workloads ease up. It’s like finding money in your coat pocket, but better because it involves sleeping in.
The Bottom Line
When “work-life balance” can feel more like “work-life Jenga,” taking time to genuinely support and surprise your team isn’t just nice; it’s strategic. Because when your people feel valued, they don’t just show up, they show out. And in September’s sprint to the finish line, that kind of energy is exactly what transforms good teams into unstoppable ones.
Remember: the best team boosters aren’t always the most expensive ones. Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing someone’s effort and making sure they know you see it too. After all, we’re all just trying to keep our professional plates spinning while maintaining some semblance of sanity. A little recognition along the way? That’s not just appreciated—it’s essential!
