There are definitely uses for signage: "Women's Restroom - This Way." "New York Steak 13.99 lb"
"Please, no swimming - alligator infested waters."
But then we get carried away with what we believe signing can accomplish, especially by itself.
"Let's make a sign expressing thanks to the entire team." No sign can ever take the place of a personal thank you to individuals.
"Let's make this a better place to work by posting positive messages throughout the building." You've seen these. . .because they've been on the walls for seven years, are yellowed with age and are now partially obscured by the mandatory HR posters. .
You want people to desist from doing something? "We'll have a sign made." Really? I have never seen anyone not improperly dispose of litter or return a cart because they stopped and read a sign admonishing them not to.
Signage should never, never. . .oh, and never be used as a passive aggressive admonishment. "Please clean up your dishes - your Mother doesn't work here." It's snarky and snarky doesn't work to a permanent change in behavior.
As a stand-alone, signing is not motivational. No one gives a rip about your poster re: achieving sales goals if 1) there are not core conversations regarding sales goals and 2) if the morale of the work group is compromised.
Too often we believe we have done our duty and can check that box if we go to the effort of creating and posting a sign - only to have it ignored by the intended masses. If we cannot change behavior with a simple conversation, no amount of signage will rectify the situation. The sign is not the leader - we are.
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