Management Tip of the Day: Know the Value of a Pat on the Back

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 9, 2010 Know the Value of a Pat on the Back An abundance of studies have demonstrated the power of touch on everything from Rhesus monkeys to students in a classroom. A pat on the back or a brief touch on the shoulder can express support and reassurance, making the recipient more willing to take risks and improving his decision making. Next time you want to communicate support to a colleague, convey your intention through a small touch. Often times, contact can be more powerful than words. Use touch sparingly though, and don't linger; it only takes a brief moment of contact; any longer can feel creepy. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "An Effective (and Underused) Way to Reassure and Motivate" by Peter Bregman. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT What Great Leaders Do HBR Article Collection Great leadership lies within you. Here's how to mobilize that force — without imitating others' leadership styles. In this collection, you'll learn how to reject mediocrity, capitalize on employees' unique talents, build a powerful sense of teamwork, put your company's needs ahead of yours, and more. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Forget Management Breakthroughs — Keep It Simple Beware of the Invisible Promotion Avoid the 3 Tendencies of Bad Bosses Take the Extreme Question Challenge 3 Ways to Improve Performance Without a Re-Org Create Great Strategy with Stories, Not Plans Win the Sale by Winning Your Customer's Heart 3 Ways to Bring Out the Best in Your People Take One Minute to Control Your Temper 3 Ways to Manage Clashing Leadership Styles BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)