How to Go That Extra Degree
Over my tenure with DSD Business Systems, I have always been proud that DSD makes sure to display employee recognition and appreciation. This starts on the first day with new hires and it continues with birthdays, work anniversaries and even family members are provided personalized cards and gifts on special occasions. An important moment in employee recognition that I’m proud to share, began in late fall of 2012. Let’s press the rewind button just a tad and go back in time.
On October 17th, 2012, I arrived at work to see the number “2” display throughout the office, on every hallway, workstation, kitchen, and conference room. On Tuesday, I encountered the same situation, when the number “1” was added next to the “2”. The suspense was building and we all wondered what in the world was going on. By Thursday, “212” was plastered throughout our building. When the staff took a seat at the company meeting that afternoon, the mysterious 212, was up on the screen. We weren’t sure what all of this meant, until the lights dimmed and the presentation commenced. Thus began the DSD journey of learning about 212.
I learned that the numbers 212 refer to giving an extra degree. Water is hot at 211 degrees, but when one tiny degree is added and the water boils, it makes steam, which has the ability to move an engine and power a train. Giving just one extra degree can make a world of difference. The DSD executive management team had a vision to build a DSD Business Systems dream team, in order to make us stand out from our competition. They realized that the best way to start that process was with the employees. Happy employees radiate to providing excellent customer service and in turn create happy clients. 
We will celebrate our 30th year in business this year and we have a very talented group of employees. Just like a good, strong marriage, keeping employees happy and motivated takes work. Sometimes you hit a slump and need an extra push to get over the hump. As motivation at work began to dwindle, we needed something big to get us back on track, something to inspire and bring back our synergy.
Looking back helps you see how far you have come as an individual and as a company. That fall day in 2012 changed the spirit and culture at DSD. We left the meeting feeling energized and revitalized. From that day forward, we started to give an extra degree in all that we did, not only at work, but in our personal lives too. In order to get that extra degree from employees, I highly recommend creating an employee recognition program, such as the 212 initiative. This employee recognition program was created as a way for us to recognize our peers when we notice them giving that extra degree at work. We hand out “212 Business cards” with a personalized message on the back, as a token of appreciation in giving the extra degree. Then those cards can be redeemed for prizes, anything from massages, to electronics or vacations.
I agree with a statement I recently heard at a conference, which said that managers need to praise and thank their employees at least once every seven days. When asked how many of the group actually implements this, only one person raised their hand (out of a group of 30). Employees need to be appreciated. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it needs to be effective. Find ways to show you appreciate your employees. A simple, verbal thank you can go a long way. Here’s my challenge to you: give the extra degree in your daily routine for the next 7 days and find a way to thank someone at least once. I think you’ll be amazed at the results it brings and how much it makes you feel better. 
I’ll leave you with the lyrics of Michael Jackson “I’m starting with the Man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer, if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a Change”.
To learn more about the 212 program visit www.givemore.com.
Written by Melissa Secody, PHR, Accounting Manager at DSD Business Systems
