Mom
Aren’t Moms the greatest? I’ve been sending my Mom my blog posts so she can read them. She just called to tell me that she liked them and she is proud of me! Wow, it reminded me how important recognition is. Especially from people who you love!
Recognition is consistent with appreciation. How do you recognize people in the proper way?
Tip 1: Consider who you recognize. Public recognition can send some people into elation and some into hiding. Remember to understand the person you are recognizing – if they are an introvert – check in first. Don’t assume that someone wants everyone to know what they’ve done.
Tip 2: Method. Here’s where you need to get creative. Is it a phone call? A thank you note? A box of cookies? Time off? Customize the recognition to fit the person. I worked with someone who wanted to be praised for what she did – telling her that she did great!
Tip 3: Recognition programs. These can be wonderful and can backfire. Be sure to look at these rules to ensure your program is well received.
Rule 1: All employees must be eligible for the recognition.
Rule 2: The behaviors or actions that your employees get recognized for must be specifically spelled out – anything vague will create inconsistencies and confusion. Make sure these are meaningful and significant.
Rule 3: Everyone who performs at the level or standard set in Rule 2 receives the reward.
Rule 4: The recognition should occur as close to the performance as possible to reinforce the behavior you want to encourage.
Rule 5: You don’t want a program in which managers “select” the people to receive recognition. This will either be viewed as “favoritism” or talked about as “it’s your turn to get recognized this month.” This is why programs that single out an individual, such as “Employee of the Month,” are rarely effective.
What’s worked for you? How do you recognize people at your work place? Have any advice of what to stay away from? Share in the comments below!
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Holly, tip #3 struck a chord with me. I have lost track of how many times one person in a company gets recognized in such a way that it appears to outsiders as if he or she single-handedly accomplished something … and left the many rest of us on the same project grumbling along the lines of, "Wow, they make it look as if he/she did all of this alone!" To me, one solution is to be MUCH MORE SPECIFIC in the recognition wording. Maybe this is why I enjoy endurance running and walking so much; the recognition usually comes in the form of finishing times in races, for which there is no room for dispute about who did the best!
Kirk –
You are wise to point out – while the best of intentions are to recognize somebody – and produce good results, you have to be really careful that all are recognized that should be.
Thanks for the comment Kirk!
Holly