(Kaleb)As the regional manager for CUI or Commercial Uniform Inc., Derrick oversees numerous facets of the business. CUI is a company that provides not only uniforms for businesses such as banks, hotels, and rental agencies, but they also provide dry cleaning as well as pick up and drop off services for the uniforms. The drivers that pick up and drop off the dry cleaning, both to and from the places of business as well as to and from the dry cleaners, are CUI’s bread and butter, the heart and soul of the company.

Recently though, the market for such services has diminished due to companies opting to allow their employees to utilize their own wardrobes within the companies standards as well as become more crowded as more competition emerges, therefore not allowing for drivers salaries to increase for allowing for bonuses. Madison, head of HR, along with the CEO of the company, agree that personal recognition could keep morale up in spite of stagnant wages and declining business. Over the next few days, Derrick makes a point to compliment individuals on their work and impact on the company; some are more specific and thought out, while others are more generic and not individualized.

How well is Derrick praising his workers? What advice can you offer him to be more effective in her praise?

With some workers, Derrick is doing exceedingly well, such as Courtney and Hector, while others consist of a more generic nature that could be used as a blanket commemoration. If Derrick sincerely wanted to make others in the company be appreciated and vital to the company, he should take the time to learn their names, what their individual job is, figure out one thing they really worked hard on, and complement that. Everyone works hard even if those at the top do not see it, and they all deserve proper recognition.

1. Which statement of praise do you think was the most effective, and why?

Derrick’s comments towards Courtney were the most specified. He addressed her by name, stated what action she performed that was vital to the company, and accentuated that without her efforts, the company would have gone belly up. Whether or not the “shut down” part of his comment was genuine or not is unknown, but even if it was not, it made that employee feel like they are a necessary and vital part of the company.

Which statement of praise do you think was the least effective, and why?

1. The comment Kaitlin received was generic and even a little, if not condescending, then off-putting. Derrick did not address her by name, did not mention her job or any specific work she had done to warrant any type of remark or comment and the part “with a cool and talented woman” just seems out of place and slightly unprofessional. Her reaction would be the same many other employees would probably give if complimented out of the blue.