Giving thanks — and the power of making it personal — came across clearly in a recent article in Fortune magazine about Yum Brands.  They don’t allow managers just to give plaques or gifts — everything must have a personal note on it, or along with it.  I love that idea.

It is a good reminder that the best acknowledgement or thank you to employees and others is something personal and meaningful.  And, it must be fast — it loses impact if it’s too long after the fact.  Yum has crazy items, such as a rubber, floppy chicken, cheesehead, roof tile, plastic hog, and oversize teeth.  Every one of those items has a place to write something meaningful.  “You want to give away a piece of yourself,” says David Novak, the CEO of Yum brands.

The Fortune article on employee recognition and giving thanks at Yum brands.  Have a great Thanksgiving week — and make it personal!

Related Posts:

• Company Culture Like Fine Wine or Coffee
• Unique Businesses Are a Force For Good
• Quest for the Holy Grail of Employees Who Think Like Owners — Employee Ownership (a series)
• Company Culture Key to Growing a Business