One of the best tasks I have is keeping the office candy jar full. It’s fun to look for different varieties of candy and then to notice whose eyes light up when they see a new, favorite kind. On long draggy days I take the jar and walk around the office, talking with everyone and offering them a “pick-me-up” piece of candy.

Everyone has a favorite candy, but most importantly, everyone likes having the candy jar — full of candy. They sigh when the jar begins emptying – until only a lone lemon Starburst is left in the bottom – then I’ll see them pass the jar, hesitate, and slowly walk on.

Team relationships are a lot like the reactions I see around our office candy jar.

Teams members like:

• being motivated by assignments that interest them and engage them in their favorite tasks
• receiving individual attention, even though they are part of a group
• being kept up-to-date and full of information about projects – even the pieces they aren’t directly working on

Are you actively stocking the “candy jar” for your team today — looking out for what motivates them, giving individual attention, and keeping everyone full of information? Apply some candy jar wisdom and and see your team’s eyes light up!