The Beauty and The Beast of Recognition Part 2 of 3

Tips to turn your recognition process into a BEAUTY and avoid the BEAST.

Today's article gives you suggestions for:

1. Opportunities for recognition

2. Forms of recognition

3. Checklist for your own actions

1. What Are Some Opportunities to Recognize an Individual/Group/Team?

· Successful completion of a project

· Consistent performance over an extended period by a team member

· Commitment to team effort, customers, and/or quality

· Significant improvements in performance

· Special efforts to support a project or program or other team member

· Use of innovation, creativity and/or leadership

You could add many more thoughts to this list - sometimes we have to think about the recognition opportunities - they aren't always obvious. (This is a great topic to involve team members in - "What kinds of things should we be recognizing?")

2. If Recognition Isn’t Just Money, What Are Other Forms of Recognition?

·     Acknowledgement: No money, no plaques, just a simple verbal or written expression of appreciation for a team member’s value or contributions. 

·     Verbal expression or personal exchange: Go the extra distance - convey your interest in team members as individuals, e.g., remembering birthdays, inquiring about favorite hobbies or the health of others’ families, progress the kids are making, etc.

·    Reward: This is a tangible expression of appreciation for a job well done; a gift certificate, dinner reservations for the team member and partner, subscription to a publication the person would enjoy, a check…the list is really endless.

·     Inclusion: Not everyone views this as recognition, but an invitation to participate at a higher level in the organization is a demonstration of trust; designate the team member being recognized to sit in a meeting as your representative or attend a conference. This sends a message of your confidence in the team member and supports his/her professional development.

This is another opportunity to involve team members: It’s very cool to invite your team members to identify recognition ideas – involve them and see where the discussion leads! Other resources for recognition ideas:

Try Bob Nelson’s 1001 Ways to Reward Employees – it’s packed with terrific ideas.

Or Nelson's The 1001 Rewards & Recognition Fieldbook: The Complete Guide

If you're a team leader, answer this handy checklist and decide how much attention you pay to this often-overlooked-opportunity for team member satisfaction.

3. Recognition Checklist

P    Am I, as a team leader, taking advantage of all recognition opportunities?

P    Am I correctly identifying what/whom to recognize?

P    Am I giving recognition on a daily basis, not just for the “home run” events?

P    Did I customize the type of recognition so the team member appreciates the gesture?

P    Did I choose a way to present the recognition so the team member will be comfortable?

P    Did the recognition appropriately match what the team member did?

Question for you: How would you answer all of the above!

Strong Relationships + Solid Leadership = Success for Everyone