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I would assume most leaders want to express the gratitude for the hard work of the troops. I will like to entreat you with ideas besides awards and actually say thank you. Most of it is predicated on fund raising.
I threw some outstanding BBQs for the unit or made a large pot of gumbo and rice. When I would eat at restaurants I would get free gift certificates for the Christmas party. At the Christmas party, which was casual, the door prizes consisted of things the troops wanted like boom boxes, TVs, and gift certificates for dinner. One gift was an autographed picture of me with a gift certificate in the back. The soldier would politely smile at winning the picture, but became more optimistic there was a real prize in the back. We had a gift exchange and a karaoke contest with a gong. The point is to have a good time.
I coordinated with MEDEVAC pilots to take my troops flying. I ensured they had their dog tags, a brief, Kevlar helmet, and a barf bag because the pilots enjoyed scaring the troops. Sometimes we had a good old fashioned potluck with some really good food. For organizational day we all went to a theme park which I find superior to the Humvee pulling contest. Birthday soldiers got the day off and baby showers were encouraged.
I am not to trying to show off, just wanted to do some cross talk. I would love to hear your ideas in this endeavor.
I threw some outstanding BBQs for the unit or made a large pot of gumbo and rice. When I would eat at restaurants I would get free gift certificates for the Christmas party. At the Christmas party, which was casual, the door prizes consisted of things the troops wanted like boom boxes, TVs, and gift certificates for dinner. One gift was an autographed picture of me with a gift certificate in the back. The soldier would politely smile at winning the picture, but became more optimistic there was a real prize in the back. We had a gift exchange and a karaoke contest with a gong. The point is to have a good time.
I coordinated with MEDEVAC pilots to take my troops flying. I ensured they had their dog tags, a brief, Kevlar helmet, and a barf bag because the pilots enjoyed scaring the troops. Sometimes we had a good old fashioned potluck with some really good food. For organizational day we all went to a theme park which I find superior to the Humvee pulling contest. Birthday soldiers got the day off and baby showers were encouraged.
I am not to trying to show off, just wanted to do some cross talk. I would love to hear your ideas in this endeavor.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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Great post Sir. I've put together many BBQ's for my Soldiers with no cost to them at all. I've done big pizza lunches too. I've also ensured that I presented a going away plaque or small token of my appreciation for any maintainer in my Battalion while I was in-charge. I've also presented coins for on the spot achievements. I've wrote up many impact awards too. When praise is warranted, I'm a firm believer that it should be done. A small gesture goes a long way to build confidence and motivation.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
I forgot coins. I had a couple NCOs to report to a Armor Brigade Commander and said he was pissed. He presented them with coins instead.
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At one of the places I worked we had to attend a "keep the union out" seminar.
A union president spoke to us and told us he would detail how to prevent a union from forming. He said he would share with us because we wouldn't do it anyway.
His secret was to greet everyone with a cheery good morning every day.
Think about it.
A union president spoke to us and told us he would detail how to prevent a union from forming. He said he would share with us because we wouldn't do it anyway.
His secret was to greet everyone with a cheery good morning every day.
Think about it.
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MAJ Ken Landgren Capt (Join to see) Absolutely, People don't care what you know, but they must know that you care!
Gratitude as a team member is critical, either military or civilian. I have used many of the same concepts, minus the picture idea you threw out there! (I will have to try that out...)
I focus on recognizing Birthday's, service anniversaries, weddings, birth of children and other sad but important events, like bereavement. We sign cards and send a common group gift, that I subsidize. Potlucks are great! You get a chance to meet family and usually we make folks tell a story behind your dish.
I find that over the years, we don't do them as frequently has we used to, I don't do alcohol for liability and safety reasons. I keep them short 2.30-3 hours, not all day events that we used to throw.
This allows people to spend a little time with me but not TOO MUCH.
Always leave them wanting more.
Gratitude as a team member is critical, either military or civilian. I have used many of the same concepts, minus the picture idea you threw out there! (I will have to try that out...)
I focus on recognizing Birthday's, service anniversaries, weddings, birth of children and other sad but important events, like bereavement. We sign cards and send a common group gift, that I subsidize. Potlucks are great! You get a chance to meet family and usually we make folks tell a story behind your dish.
I find that over the years, we don't do them as frequently has we used to, I don't do alcohol for liability and safety reasons. I keep them short 2.30-3 hours, not all day events that we used to throw.
This allows people to spend a little time with me but not TOO MUCH.
Always leave them wanting more.
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