Greetings.  Looking for a simple way to show your team members or employees that you care?  That amid all of the stress of trying to compete in today's challenging economy, you think of them as more than simply a job description, an interchangeable part, or a not always smiling face in an office or cube?  If so, why not think back to a happier time when they were the most important person in the world.  You guessed it…their birthday!  Not that you have to rent a moon bounce or hire a clown or a magician.  But why not wish them a "Happy Birthday!" and then send them off for a day of fun and exploration. 

That's right.  Let them do whatever they choose on their special day by first thanking them for being an essential part of your organization and then letting them know that you'll survive for a limited time without them.  That on their special day "the world is their oyster."  (Whatever that means.)  A chance to go to a museum.  Take a bike ride or a long walk in the park.  Read a book.  Catch a movie they've been wanting to see.  Have a long and uninterrupted lunch at home or at a favorite restaurant.  Or even go bowling.  Whatever they choose.  As a small but important way to energize themselves and realize that, in addition to their job, you appreciate them as a human being.  It's kind of like a micro-sabbatical that might even help them to unlock their genius.

And don't think of it as a reward.  Because it's really a straightforward acknowledgment that everyone matters as a person first and a job second.  Because we don't build meaningful relationships with the positions that people hold.  We build them with the people who hold those positions.

And to add to the fun and importance of the day, why not start with a semi-healthy cake and a brief but enthusiastic medley of birthday songs that includes "They Say It's Your Birthday" by the Beatles.

We win in business and in life by appreciating those we have the privilege to work with, and letting them know that we care about them as people on their special day and every day. 

Cheers and have a wonderful next birthday…whenever it is.