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Eric Chester writes – In researching my new book I got a rare opportunity to visit with J.W. “Bill” Marriott. (Marriott Hotels are No. 53 on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for in 2015.) Marriott emphasized how vital two-way communication is to keeping his employees fully engaged.

As we move through this holiday season, remember that there are many small and simple things we can do to let others know they matter. Here are 12 ideas to get you started –

Those who immerse themselves in their pursuits show courage in exploring their inner selves and in getting past worrying about what others...

You don’t have to know who Thelonious Monk is (bonus points if you do) or even be a musician to know what that quote means – if just one player in a band is off beat, the whole performance will sound off. Creating music is about more than a group of players each performing their individual part – it’s about the way those players listen to each other and perform together that really counts. Like any group working toward a common goal, the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts.

I am always on the lookout for great customer experiences. Whether in a restaurant, my bank, or any retail environment, I look for individuals who make a difference. A new Mariano’s grocery store moved into my neighborhood in April of 2014. I like Mariano’s. It is where Whole Foods meets Jewel. The one near my house features fresh produce, delicious prepared foods and even boasts a wine, oyster and sushi bar. Oh yes, and there’s fresh flowers and a gelato bar downstairs. Pretty fancy stuff.

Every organization goes through change. Perhaps yours is:

Emerging from a merger or acquisition
Recovering from a crisis
Preparing to enter a new market or re-branding
Whatever the change, it is essential not only to manage the immediate logistics and requirements inherent in that change, but to also bring your employees and the organizational culture along with you.

As a business consultant and corporate communication strategist, I consider myself lucky. Before leaving the C-Suite and going into my own practice I was fortunate to work for a corporation who believed good communication was paramount to their success. I was able to see how consistent, relevant and engaging communication can rally employees, foster pride and drive results. I saw how we put theory into practice and it worked. We were able to make the list of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Places to Work and surpassed all anticipated business results in terms of revenue, customer engagement and corporate citizenship. Our efforts were not always perfect but we did a pretty good job of delivering a unified message that helped build a cohesive culture.