The Gentle Art of Recognition: Appreciating Others in the Workplace
Recognition connects us to the organisation, elevates our performance and increases the likelihood of us staying. But, is a simple ‘thank you’ enough? I'll take you through some of the answers.
“The pandemic has impacted our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and it’s prompting many of us to reconsider what matters most in life.”
Surveys show that 90% of the current working population is looking for meaning as well as money. This suggests it’s not only younger generations that are reflecting on what really makes them tick. The focus has shifted over recent years from a means to earning money to a search for daily meaning, for recognition and for personal development on top of cash. When business objectives are linked solely to compensation, the motivation to drive results is rarely meaningfully enhanced. So, if financial incentives aren’t the only lever, what else can help increase motivation?
The power of true recognition
We all want to make a difference, small or large. We want to feel valued. We want to be heard – to feel we are listened to and that someone is responding to what we have said. We want to be acknowledged as a person, with appreciation of what makes us unique.
The feeling of accomplishment is uplifting, but it’s multiplied exponentially when others take notice. The simple act of acknowledging achievement is a major boost for morale and performance. When we are rewarded for our contributions, we feel ownership and pride in what we do and are willing to go the extra mile on our next project. Recognition connects us to the organisation, elevates our performance and increases the likelihood of us staying.
“When we are rewarded for our contributions, we feel ownership and pride in what we do and are willing to go the extra mile on our next project.”
So, is a simple ‘thank you’ enough then?
It helps, but there’s much more to it. And, as always, one size does not fit all. For recognition to have the right impact, you need to specify why you recognise one another, as well as what for.
You also need to reflect on how much recognition an individual needs. Thousands of millennials and Gen Zs were asked how much appreciation they need from their managers.
“65% of the younger generations on the working floor wants recognition once a day. 35% of them say they need it more than twice a day.”
This feedback requires all of us to reconsider how much we are giving recognition, as well as the way we are recognising.
Four ways to recognise others
Did you know that there are four unique ways of thanking somebody? You can thank...
For the expert someone is.
For the human being someone is.
For the results someone delivers.
For the time and energy someone puts into a certain task or project.
Everyone has a preferred way of wanting to receive recognition. What is yours?
You’ll notice that most of the time we recognise others based on our own preferred way of recognition.
“However, a compliment loses a lot of power when it’s not how the other person wants to be recognised.”
The next time you speak to your colleagues, ask them what they appreciate in recognition. If you’ve worked together for a while, discover how well you know each other and guess the other’s preferred way of being recognised. You’ll be surprised by how many times we are mistaken!
Who are you going to recognise next?
Don't wait too long before you do share your appreciation by saying thank you – strike while the iron is hot.
Words can be the most persuasive motivator of all when we share the impact someone has made in a personal and meaningful way. Together you can contribute to a working environment that motivates everyone, by going beyond a simple ‘thank you’.