Arun recently launched a new channel on our company chat platform called #props. For the uninitiated (and for my 75-year-old parents who read this blog), “props” are the modern “kudos.” As the header of the channel describes, its purpose is “[College]Wisers giving thanks, shout-outs, and accolades to other Wisers.”
It’s so simple, and it probably took less than five minutes for him to create the channel. But in just a few short months, the impact #props has had on us, our morale, and our company has been bigger than anyone could have predicted.
Every day, #props sees dozens of new messages thanking or otherwise recognizing our Collegewisers. From one colleague thanking another for their assistance preparing a presentation, to a trainer lauding a new counselor for a great first month, to an employee acknowledging her manager who always seems to go the extra mile, every visit to #props is like jumping into a sea of positivity.
Counselors, managers, salespeople, part-time editors, even entire teams–everyone has had an opportunity to bask in the glow of a well-deserved #props mention.
Since we don’t all work in the same building (we’re spread out all over the country and other parts of the world), we miss a lot of opportunities to see for ourselves those moments where a colleague chips in to help, offers their unique expertise, or does particularly great work with a family who benefited. But #props lets us all feel like we were there to see it happen.
Just as importantly, #props helps everyone focus on what’s great about our jobs. Application season can be a busy, stressful time at Collegewise. But one visit to #props can remind anyone here just how lucky we are to do what we do with our Collegewise colleagues.
Best of all, #props creates a self-sustaining system of praise. When someone publicly thanks or otherwise recognizes you, you can’t help but scan your world for opportunities to pay that act forward to someone else. The more props we get, the more we give (and vice versa).
How could you implement a similar system in your counseling office, classroom, club, organization, or other group?
How could you make it easy for your cohorts to offer sincere praise to those who deserve it?
What kind of difference could it make for you?
It’s hard to imagine a simpler way to bring out—and recognize—the best in people.