Integrating Recognition

Recognition is too often viewed as an isolated act by way of practice – or a point of transaction through an administered program.

In reality, recognition needs to be integrated into everything we do on a daily basis for it to be perceived as being REAL and part of an organization’s culture.

Take time to look at your day and how you can integrate recognition giving into everything you do on a moment-to-moment basis.

Imagine:

* Holding the door open for someone
* Smiling at people as they pass by
* Greeting people and saying their name when known
* Starting off meetings with acknowledging achievements
* Wording your emails so there is gratitude expressed
* Providing either instant or soon-thereafter feedback for work well done
* Thanking people by looking them in the eye when routine tasks are done for you
* Even as a senior leader sitting down to lunch with any group of employees in the cafeteria
* Taking time to be specific with the wording for emailed or written notes or appreciation
* Ensuring awards are presented as a celebration experience and not just a presentation
* Spontaneous stop bys on people just to find out how they are doing
* Make letters communicating a promotion are a chance to acknowledge a person’s contributions
* Taking time out as a small group to celebrate a project completion or new client acquisition
* Praising people either privately or publicly according to a person’s preference
* Sending a note perhaps with a gift or flowers to a spouse to thank them for supporting an employee
* Meeting with an employee before sending them to training to indicate they are going because of their exemplary performance
* Taking time to highlight the behind the scenes work of those often missed through high performance programs
* Leaving a simple note with a favourite treat at the end of the day for a challenged employee
* Leaving a voice mail message after an employee has left to commend them for what they did that day

Meaningful Recognition

When was the last time you received “meaningful” recognition?

Meaningfulness occurs when people experience an activity that resonates with their chosen values, or when it connects them with people they like, raises their sense of competence, or gives them an ah-ha moment of insight.

I think meaningful recognition occurs when an individual’s contributions are properly acknowledged and appreciated in such a way that the person feels honored, valued and respected.

This is why I state that “Real Recognition” happens when the giver and the recipient BOTH feel recognized. Meaningful recognition is a two way street between the recognizer and recognizee.

Share your meaningful recognition experiences with us, explain what made it meaningful and we’ll publish the results.