Why is something so simple, as complimenting people for what they do well or encourage them as they work to improve their performance, so hard to do for many managers?
Iâve heard a variety of reasons why many donât do it on a regular basis. It comes down to lack of time, lack of necessity or lack of know how. For example:
⢠âWhy should I recognize people for doing their jobs?â
⢠âIf I recognize them, they will let up and performance will drop.â
⢠âI donât need recognition. I am self-driven. My people should be the same.â
⢠âRecognizing individuals will only create more problems with those who donât get it.â
Why itâs Important!
If you want people to give their very best, you better be recognizing their efforts and contributions regularly. A paycheck is what helps people get to sleep at night, not what gets them going in the morning. Yes, money motivates to an extent. However, sincere and appreciative recognition leads to extraordinary performance from ordinary people.
What You Should Know About Recognition
1. Recognition and reward are not the same thing.
Rewards are best used when high achievement standards are met or exceeded. For many managers, monetary reward is the only recognition strategy they know. In those circumstances, reward is very black and white â exceed your numbers and get recognized (usually with more money); come in at 99% and be labeled a marginal or poor performer. Recognition is different. Itâs not an all or nothing thing. Itâs given for appreciation, for improvement even for having a smile when taking with customers.
2. Recognition serves many purposes not just for achievement.
With a hearty âGreat job!â, or short note or public applause or even little trinkets, you let people know you appreciate their effort when they are making progress or going that extra mile. So look for opportunities to help people soar and let them know when they do.
3. Donât delegate recognition and encouragement, itâs your job!
You must get involved one on one whenever possible. Dropping a note of praise in an e-mail is one thing. Personally handing it to the other person, with a proud look in the eye, an affirming handshake or a genuine pat on the back is something entirely different.
Smart Moves Tip:
Write down the names of at least two people whom you know deserves some praise or encouragement from you for something they have recently done or are about to do. Now go out and recognize them. Let them know how important they are. Then find two more people. In other words, set daily or weekly goals for recognition. Get it in your planner like you do everything else that is important.
Marcia Zidle – The Smart Moves Coach – guides companies to move from Now to Next to Success. She’s host of The Business Edge which delivers practical advice to help business leaders take the growing pains out of growth. Are you facing overwhelming demands on your time? Are costly mistakes eating into your profits? Are you facing increased expectations from customers and clients and the need to strike a better balance in your life? Nowâs the time to stop spending your energy managing problems and start doing your real work: growing your business to the next level and beyond. Learn to create a growth agenda to get your business on the right track and keep it there. Rev up your growth engine with exceptional talent. Develop the right kind of leadership to move it forward fast. Start by tuning in to The Business Edge, airing live every Wednesday at 11 AM Pacific Time
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