Give Your Business Some Love
February is known for a lot of different things. Some of these include:
- the shortest month of the year
- the Lunar New Year Celebration, and
- Black History Month.
But most of all, it's the month of "LOVE", because Valentine’s Day falls on February 14th.
So in celebration of this special event, I have a question for you: How can we show our business or professional careers some love during this "Hallmark holiday”?
The Language Of Love
I recently learned about the 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. And in this book, he talks about some simple ideas and a proven approach to help create a stronger relationship between you and your partner that transcends the growing demands, conflicts and even boredom of everyday life.
In fact, there is even a quiz that can provide you with some insight on what your preferable love language is. Click HERE to take quiz.
After reading the book and taking the quiz, I asked myself why anyone should stop at using these languages solely with their partner? Why not also align these 5 love languages to your business or workplace? And if that were to happen, what would that it look like?
This is my assessment of how to use Dr. Chapman’s 5 languages of love to build your business.
Language 1: WORDS of AFFIRMATION
For these people, this language uses words to affirm other people.
A person may feel most valued when they get a compliment or are told how well or great they are doing. Is there someone in your workplace or business that could feel extra appreciated, if you provided them with some "words of affirmation"? Even a simple "thank you" can go a long way.
Language 2: ACTS of SERVICE
For these people, action speaks louder than words.
So this person feels most appreciated or valued when something is being done for them or they feel like they are being supported.
Examples of this in the workplace or business are: Are you, as the leader or business owner, rolling up your own sleeves and pitching in on various projects yourself vs. just barking orders or delegating tasks? Or maybe when was the last time, you gave your employee a day off - just because?
Language 3: RECEIVING GIFTS
For these people, what makes them feel the most loved is receiving a gift.
So again this person feels most valued and appreciated when they get gifts, maybe for their work anniversary or birthday. If this gets missed, they tend to feel hurt. So making sure as a leader or business owner, it is important to make sure you clearly have a list somewhere that is easily accessible and clearly documents as to when your employees started with you and when they were born (month and date should suffice).
Language 4: QUALITY TIME
For these people, this language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention.
Being present with this person and making sure you are listening and paying attention to their needs will be most important for them to feel valued. So for example, are you making sure that you are not on your phone when you are meeting with this person? Otherwise, they will feel like you do not value them. Or have you been able to give your employees some constructive feedback or give them their annual performance review, that again is valuable for them to be more productive or simply know where they stand?
Language 5: PHYSICAL TOUCH
For this person, nothing speaks more deeply than physical touch.
Now, granted, in the workplace and in your business, you'll want to be mindful about this language, but the person who values this act will feel appreciated when they are patted on the back, for doing a really good job or a "high five" can simply boost their morale.
Also, when an employee or coworker who responds to this language is going through a tough time personally, maybe a simple hug that shows you care can go a long way - (Followed by, of course, "now get back to work..." *smile and wink* to show you're kidding.
This love language, isn’t just sexual, its more about empathy and comfort and your employees or team will feel like they are valued as a person and not just an expense or line item to your business.
What Languages Will Your Business Speak?
Basically, there are many benefits to learning about these 5 love languages and understanding which ones in particular your team members, business partners/collaborators, and even customers prefer. And the more you can learn about them, the more you can become an Extraordinary Leader.
Feel free to comment below or reach out to me at melissa@melissasanchezcoaching.com if you'd like to keep the conversation going or you have a particular situation or employee you'd LOVE to discuss.
Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash