Appreciation: Can’t Please Yourself? Please Someone Else

Not happy? Don’t worry.

According to Harvard Business Review contributors (and Banyan Family Business Advisors cofounders) Josh Baron and Rob Lachenauer, a little appreciation of someone else’s work  (opens in a new tab) might help you find some value in your own.

Baron and Lachenauer say feeling valued, particularly by those we hold in high regard, is a “fundamental human need,” and without recognition, relationships can fall apart. But too much focus on one’s own contributions can undercut an organization’s ability to succeed.

“We all often get trapped in what we call ‘the credit game,’” they write. “By this we mean that everyone focuses on what he or she did personally for the success of the business, denying the contributions of others. The problem with the credit game is that it’s generally a zero-sum game. For Jim to win, Jane has to lose. Placing too much emphasis on individual accomplishments saps everyone’s willingness to sacrifice for a collective goal.”

Even if you’re not feeling appreciated right now, it has to start somewhere: So offer a simple “thanks” or two around the office. It’s sure to bring back positive results.

Rates on the Rise

You’re Probably Going To Struggle To Get Lower Room Rates @ Your Next Meeting http://t.co/NJ7N7YYDnk  (opens in a new tab) #eventprofs  (opens in a new tab) #meetingprofs  (opens in a new tab) #procurement  (opens in a new tab)

— Wolfgang Jilka (@WolfgangJilka) May 6, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

Good luck getting those room rates down. As the Professional Convention Management Association’s Daniel Metz notes, a number of major hotel chains noted in their first-quarter earning reports that demand for group spaces is on the rise—and that’s leading to a jump in group room rates  (opens in a new tab). (Marriott’s group room rate rose by 3 percent, and Hyatt’s group revenues rose by 9 percent.)

Metz notes that this may be cause for concern for event planners who want to help thrifty attendees, but it helps to remain flexible.

“Occupancy rates at hotels can vary greatly depending on location and timing,” he says. “Meeting planners who can consider alternative dates, destinations, and properties will put themselves in positions to offer attendees more affordable accommodations.”

Other Good Reads

Looking to keep things fresh? In a guest post for Wild Apricot, Webbright Services President Lamees Abourahma says  (opens in a new tab) compelling, timely programming is a key to your event’s success.

You can’t fake a good laugh, according to Pacific Standard. Here’s why  (opens in a new tab).

Here’s a secret you can learn from fast food businesses like Starbucks or McDonald’s: It’s good to occasionally ask yourself what business you’re really in. According to Inc. contributor Ilan Mochari  (opens in a new tab), this can help expose new business strategies that complement your main offering—such as selling books or CDs.

In need of a good content marketing tool? Watson + Nowlin  (opens in a new tab) has a few worth keeping an eye on—including RebelMouse and Examiner.com.

(iStock/Thinkstock)