Tag Appreciation

Recognizing the Importance of Recognition – Part Two

Steve Keating Leave a comment

One of the leading causes of procrastination is lack of know-how. People delay starting a task or project because they don’t know how to begin. They also lack resources and don’t know who to ask for help, if they even have the courage to ask.

I think that’s also one of the big reasons why more people in leadership positions don’t give their people the recognition they often deserve. They know their people need and appreciate recognition, but they aren’t really sure what recognition actually is. They also lack an understanding of the various forms of recognition. So instead of providing their people with meaningful recognition, they provide themselves with the excuse of being too busy to recognize anyone.

So let’s provide some series “know-how” here so there will be no need for the “busy” excuse.

Providing recognition to your team is essential for fostering engagement, boosting morale, and reinforcing desired behaviors. Here are some tried-and-true suggestions for providing truly meaningful recognition to your people.

1. Tailor the Recognition

Know the Individual: Some employees prefer public praise, while others may value private acknowledgment.

Personalized Rewards: Consider their interests, preferences, and professional aspirations.

2. Be Timely

Recognize achievements as soon as possible after they occur. Immediate feedback reinforces the connection between the effort and the acknowledgment.

3. Be Specific

Highlight exactly what the employee did and why it mattered.

Example: Instead of just saying, “Great job,” say, “Your innovative solution to the customer’s issue helped us earn the sale on time and exceeded their expectations.”

4. Use a Variety of Methods

Verbal Praise: During meetings or one-on-one sessions.

Written Recognition: Personal notes, emails, or newsletters.

Formal Programs: Employee of the Month or annual awards.

Monetary/Non-Monetary Rewards: Bonuses, gift cards, extra time off, or experiences.

5. Celebrate Milestones

Acknowledge work anniversaries, project completions, or personal achievements.

Host celebrations for the team’s successes.

6. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Implement systems that allow employees to recognize each other, such as a shout-out board or team kudos during meetings.

7. Leverage Technology

Use platforms or apps designed for employee recognition, where contributions can be celebrated company-wide.

8. Incorporate Into Culture

Make recognition a regular practice, not a sporadic event. Encourage leaders at all levels to model this behavior.

9. Focus on Impact

Show how their efforts contribute to the organization’s goals and impact the team.

10. Involve Leadership

Recognition from senior leaders carries weight. A quick message or handshake from an executive can leave a lasting impression.

Examples of Recognition Actions:

A surprise thank-you lunch for the team.

Highlighting an employee in a company newsletter or on social media.

Publicly sharing their achievements in meetings.

Offering professional development opportunities as a reward.

Recognizing team members doesn’t happen by accident. The key is consistency and authenticity. Don’t just say words that recognize people; mean those words. People can sense sincerity and they can also tell when you’re just going through the motions. People who feel genuinely appreciated are more likely to remain engaged and motivated.

But the best reason of all for giving your people consistent recognition is this: they deserve it. And if you’re an Authentic Leader, that is the only reason you should need.

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Recognizing the Importance of Recognition – Part One

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Most people in leadership positions claim to know the value of recognizing their teams. But a solid majority of them provide little to no recognition to their people.

That’s because they are so busy doing the urgent things of management that they have no time to do the important things of leadership. Like recognizing their people, for instance.

I should tell you that when mentoring people who say they are leaders, I am highly critical of those who say they don’t have time to recognize their people. Leadership is about people and it’s only about people. You manage things; you lead people. I’m fine with someone only having time to manage, so long as they stop calling themselves a leader. If you do not have time for people then you do not have time to lead.

People don’t just want recognition; they need recognition. Receiving recognition has a profound impact on individuals. It satisfies several important psychological and emotional needs. Here’s how you help people when you decide to authentically lead and provide meaningful recognition to your people.

Self-Esteem and Confidence
Recognition validates a person’s efforts, skills, and achievements, reinforcing their sense of worth. It can lead to greater confidence in their abilities and encourage them to take on new challenges.

Enhances Motivation
Acknowledgment of hard work often motivates individuals to continue performing well. When people feel their efforts are noticed and valued, they are more likely to maintain or improve their level of contribution. Money gets people to meet the job requirements; motivation causes them to exceed them.

Strengthens Social Bonds
Recognition fosters a sense of connection and belonging. Whether it’s in a workplace, family, or community, being acknowledged by others builds trust and strengthens relationships.

Reinforces Positive Behavior
Recognizing someone’s good work reinforces the specific behaviors or attitudes you want to see repeated. It encourages a culture of positivity and mutual respect.

Reduces Stress and Burnout
Feeling unappreciated can lead to frustration and disengagement. Recognition acts as a counterbalance, providing emotional support and reducing stress.

Fosters Personal Growth
Recognition often comes with constructive feedback, which helps individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement, aiding in personal and professional development.

Creates a Sense of Purpose
Knowing that their contributions matter gives people a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can be particularly important in challenging times, reminding them of the value they bring to others.

Regular, meaningful recognition helps cultivate a positive mindset and an environment where individuals feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. I know it may seem as if you’re too busy to provide regular recognition but the reality is that, when you’re busy so are your people. That’s when they most need recognition.

Authentic Leaders do not mistake the everyday urgent tasks with the vital importance of truly leading their people. They figure out how to do both. In our next post, we will discuss the “how” of providing your people with sincere, impactful, and meaningful recognition. Don’t miss it!

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People Matter and They Need to Know It

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Even though I may have never met you, I know something about you that is irrefutable. What I know is that you have a basic human need to know that you matter. That you are significant to someone. That you make a difference in the world.

I would like to think that I don’t personally have that need. In some ways, it almost feels like a weakness to me. Except I know that deep inside, I do have that need. I also know that it absolutely is NOT a weakness. Having that need is simply proof that I am human.

A long time ago, in a land far far away, (and a heck of a lot cooler) I was celebrating my 10th anniversary for a company that I would go on to work at for a couple more decades. For each milestone anniversary, the company would allow you to select a remembrance gift from a catalog.

On the date of my anniversary, the gift was presented to me by a couple of my bosses. One of them was the Director of Sales. I’d bet a million bucks that he wouldn’t remember this, but he said one short, simple sentence to me that I’ll likely never forget. He said, “Thanks for what you do; you make us all better.”

And there it was. Verification that I helped people. I made a difference. What I did mattered. It was recognized and verbalized by someone I greatly respected.

I had dozens and dozens of cards and letters from people, literally from all over the world. They thanked me for helping them and for the difference I had made in their lives. But somehow, having someone look you in the eye and say it to your face was much more powerful.

If you’re a leader, you absolutely must understand that your people NEED to know they matter. That what they do makes a difference. Making certain they know that, without a doubt, is one of the most vital functions of leadership.

A leader can demonstrate to their people that they matter by taking actions that emphasize respect, recognition, and support. Here’s how:

Active Listening:

• Engage in Conversations: A leader should listen attentively to their team members, valuing their input and ideas. This shows that their opinions are respected and considered.

• Respond Thoughtfully: Acknowledge concerns and provide constructive feedback, demonstrating that their voices are heard and valued.

Recognition and Appreciation:

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize individual and team accomplishments publicly. This could be through awards, shout-outs in meetings, or personalized notes of appreciation.

• Acknowledge Effort: Even when outcomes aren’t perfect, recognizing the effort and dedication shows that the leader values their commitment.

Empowerment:

• Delegate Meaningful Tasks: Trust team members with responsibilities that challenge them and allow for growth. This signals that the leader believes in their capabilities.

• Provide Opportunities for Development: Support their professional growth through training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead projects, showing that their development is important.

Support and Advocacy:

• Be Accessible: Maintain an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, or ideas.

• Advocate for Their Needs: Stand up for the team’s needs, whether it’s for resources, time, or recognition, demonstrating that their well-being is a priority.

Foster a Positive Culture:

• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that everyone feels included, respected, and valued, regardless of their role or background.

• Encourage Work-Life Balance: Respect personal time and promote a culture that values health and well-being, showing that the leader cares about their holistic experience.

Lead by Example:

• Demonstrate Integrity and Empathy: By showing fairness, empathy, and consistency in actions, a leader can reinforce the message that everyone matters.

• Be Transparent: Share relevant information and explain decisions to help team members understand the bigger picture, fostering trust and a sense of belonging.

As a leader, you should consistently exhibit these behaviors. They create an environment where people feel valued, respected, and motivated, reinforcing the idea that they matter.

The key word in that sentence is “consistently.” Helping people understand how and why they matter needs to be a part of what you do every day. You don’t do it in your spare time; you don’t do it when you can find the time. You put it at the top of your daily task list. You don’t allow a day to pass without letting at least one member of your organization know how they made a difference. No excuses!

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How to Give a Meaningful Compliment

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I often ask during leadership presentations how many of the attendees compliment the people they lead. Most of the hands in the room go up. Then I ask for some examples of compliments they’ve given their people.

My favorite is “nice job” followed by “way to go” and “keep up the good work.”

I don’t know what those phrases are, but they are most certainly NOT compliments. They are what I call “throw-away” comments. They require little to no thought and carry almost no weight. They are not meaningful statements.

Which is sad because we all crave the recognition and feeling of accomplishment that comes with a sincere and meaningful compliment. Most leaders toss out those throw-away comments because they don’t understand the power of a sincere compliment. Many of those so called “leaders” are also too lazy to invest the effort to develop a compliment that is both meaningful and memorable.

But it’s really not that hard, and the “return” on that effort can be literally life changing. So if you’re a leader, or simply a caring person who wants to make a difference in the life of another person here’s how you can do it.

Giving a meaningful compliment involves being genuine, specific, and thoughtful. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure your compliment resonates and makes a positive impact.

• Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. Compliments should come from a place of sincerity. Avoid exaggeration or flattery that doesn’t feel true to you.

• Be Specific: General compliments like “You’re great” can feel hollow. Instead, focus on particular qualities or actions. For example, “You did an excellent job organizing the event. Your attention to detail really showed in how smoothly everything went.”

• Focus on Effort and Qualities: Highlight the effort someone put into something or a specific quality they possess. This shows you recognize and value their hard work or character traits. For instance, “I really admire your dedication to your work. Your perseverance is inspiring.”

• Relate to Impact: Explain how their actions or qualities have positively affected you or others. This adds depth to your compliment. For example, “Your kindness in helping me with that project last week really made a difference. It relieved a lot of my stress.”

• Be Timely: Deliver your compliment close to the event or behavior you’re praising. Timeliness ensures the compliment is relevant and feels more genuine.

• Use Appropriate Language: Tailor your words to the person’s preferences and the context of your relationship. For a colleague, you might say, “Your presentation was very insightful,” whereas for a close friend, you might say, “I love how you always know how to make everyone feel welcome.”

• Body Language and Tone: Ensure your nonverbal cues match your words. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use a warm tone to convey sincerity.

• Avoid Comparisons: Complimenting someone by comparing them to others can diminish the value of your compliment. Focus on the individual’s unique qualities or achievements.

Here are a few examples of meaningful compliments:

• To a coworker: “Your creativity in that marketing campaign was impressive. It really stood out and made our product shine.”

• To a friend: “I always feel heard and understood when I talk to you. Your empathy means a lot to me.”

• To a family member: “Your dedication to our family is incredible. The way you always find time to support everyone is truly admirable.”

You have the ability to make your compliments way more meaningful. You can make the recipient feel genuinely appreciated and valued. You can pay them a compliment that they will hold on to for a very long time. You can provide them with the motivation to reach for the stars and achieve their full potential. YOU, yes YOU, can do all of that.

You only have to decide it’s important enough to make the effort.

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How to Deal With Ungrateful People

Steve Keating Leave a comment

It sure does seem as if there are some people who you just can’t make happy. There are people who, no matter how much you do for them, it’s never enough. In fact, it feels as if the more you do, the less they appreciate it. All that can be incredibly frustrating.

The first thing to realize is that they have a problem, not you. Their low EQ or narcissistic behavior is their problem. Their unappreciative nature while frustrating to you, will cause them to miss out on many opportunities in life, both their personal life and their professional lives. When you stop and think about it, which is hard to do sometimes, but when you stop and think about it, it’s really sad for them. They miss out on the joy created from a grateful heart. They don’t get to experience the pleasure of knowing that there are people in the world who care enough for them to help them, while expecting nothing in return.

Ungrateful people miss some of the best parts of life.

But knowing that doesn’t necessarily make it easier for you to help ungrateful people. So here’s a few ideas to overcome the challenges of dealing with ingratitude.

Adjust Expectations. Recognize that not everyone will express gratitude in the same way or at all. Adjusting your expectations can help minimize disappointment. One of the principles from Dale Carnegie’s all time best seller, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” says to “Expect ingratitude.” That way when someone shows appreciation or displays a grateful heart, it’s a bonus. When they appear to take your kindness for granted you can just shake it off and maintain control over your positive attitude.

Focus on Intentions. Don’t seek validation. Focus on your intentions and the joy of helping others. Their response doesn’t matter. If you were doing the right things for the right reasons then someone else’s ingratitude can’t change the “rightness” of what you’ve done. Never let someone else’s ungrateful heart still your joy of serving others.

Practice Self-Validation. Remind yourself of your worth and the value of your actions, even if they go unrecognized by others. Part of “giving” is expecting nothing in return, not even a thank you, although that sure is nice. If you are doing something with the expectation of receiving something in return, then you might be making a trade but you aren’t truly giving.

Communicate. If ingratitude becomes a pattern in a relationship, consider calmly expressing how it makes you feel. Discuss ways to improve communication and appreciation. The key word here is calmly. That means no sarcasm and no snarky comments.

Set Boundaries. If ingratitude becomes toxic or abusive, you may need to reassess the relationship. Set boundaries to protect yourself. Sooner or later we all have to realize that enough is enough. Needing some validation that what you’re doing for someone else is worthwhile, doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.

Gratitude Journaling. Cultivate gratitude within yourself by keeping a journal where you write down things you’re grateful for. This will help you focus on the positive aspects of life. Include the things you’re able to do for others. Just because someone else may not be grateful for the things you do, doesn’t mean you can’t be grateful for those things.

You do the right things for the right reasons. Remind yourself of that. Then, you’ll be better prepared to deal with people who struggle to show appreciation. Just never forget, their apparent lack of gratitude is a reflection of who they are, not you and the effort you’ve put forth.

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How to be More Appreciative

Steve Keating 2 Comments

What’s the first thing you do every morning? Is it checking your email? Maybe it’s checking your text messages. How about perhaps checking your thinking? Yep, I said thinking!

While I understand how tempting it is to grab the phone and check messages if you want a happier and more productive 2024 I highly recommend resisting that temptation. Instead check the first thought that’s in your head. If you’re lucky, that first thought will be about something you appreciate. If it’s not then I suggest you instantly replace that thought with one about something or someone you do appreciate.

When your first thought of the day is one of gratitude and appreciation the rest of your thoughts that day will be better because of it. How you begin your day really does impact the rest of your day. There will certainly be days where it feels as if your life is out of your control but there will never be a day that you can’t begin with a grateful heart.

But yes, I am once again aware that this is often easier said than done. But it is not impossible. Appreciating what you have instead of always wanting more is a mindset that involves cultivating gratitude and mindfulness. Here are some practical ideas to help you develop this perspective. Its a perspective that will not only change how you look at things, it’s likely to change the things you look at.

Practice Gratitude:

• Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Consider starting a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re thankful for every day. This can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. The new journal app on iPhones makes this super easy to do.

Think the Here and Now:

• Engage in thinking that brings your attention to the present moment. This can help you appreciate the current state of your life rather than getting lost in thoughts about the future or past.

Reflect on Achievements:

• Remind yourself of your accomplishments and the progress you’ve made. Reflecting on your achievements can provide a sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Set Realistic Goals:

• While having goals is important, ensure they are realistic and achievable. Setting unattainable goals may lead to a perpetual feeling of discontent. Celebrate small victories along the way.

Limit Social Comparison:

• Avoid constantly comparing yourself to others, especially in terms of material possessions or social status. Everyone’s journey is unique, and external markers of success may not necessarily bring happiness.

Thoughtful Consumption:

• Be mindful of your consumption habits. Consider whether the things you desire are driven by genuine needs or societal pressures. Practicing thoughtful consumption can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Volunteer or Give Back:

• Engaging in acts of kindness or volunteering can shift your focus from what you lack to what you can give. Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and gratitude.

Savor the Moment:

• Take time to savor the simple pleasures in life. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or a moment of quiet reflection, appreciating these small moments can enhance your overall sense of contentment.

Cultivate Contentment:

• Make a conscious effort to cultivate contentment in your life. This involves recognizing and accepting the present moment without constantly yearning for something more.

Regular Reflection:

• Periodically reflect on your life, values, and priorities. This self-reflection can help you align your desires with what truly matters to you, fostering a greater sense of appreciation for the present.

Appreciating what you have is an ongoing practice that requires effort and self-awareness. By incorporating these ideas into your daily life, you can shift your perspective and find greater satisfaction in the things and people you already have in your life. It’s entirely possible you’ll discover that you’ve already achieved a level of success beyond what you imagined could.

Take the Bait

Steve Keating 3 Comments

Generally speaking when “bait” is taken it turns out rather badly for whoever took the bait. I think that’s why they call email scams “phishing” attacks. Some con artist casts some bait and an unsuspecting person “takes the bait” and the outcome is less than optimal. 

Ask any fish and they can tell you taking the bait is a really bad idea. 

But not always. Because leaders aren’t fish.

Let me tell you about Larry and Harry. Harry works for Larry and has been a loyal team member for some time. He typically outworks his co-workers and Larry values him beyond measure. 

On one particularly challenging day Larry asks Harry to give even more effort than normal. Harry assures his boss that he is up to the task and sets out to get the job done. As Harry undertakes the extra workload he can’t help but notice his co-workers coasting through their day as usual. But Harry pushes through, truly giving an A Plus effort. 

At the end of his day Harry reports on his day to Larry. He tells him he got this done, he got that done. He had several issues but overcame them to get it all done. He shares that he even gave up his breaks and lunch to figure out a particularly challenging task. He reports that he is completely worn out but proud of what he was able to accomplish. 

Larry replies with the detailed results of his day as well. He managed to accomplish a ton and he might be even more worn out than Harry. 

Harry heads home for the day we three thoughts on his mind. One, he is wondering what he has to do to get a little appreciation from Larry. Two, he is thinking about his co-workers who floated through their day and received the same level of appreciation from Larry that he did…zero. Third, he’s thinking about whether or not it “pays” to put in the extra effort and whether or not he’s the stupid one for working harder than the others. 

There is not an Authentic Leader in the world that wants their people thinking any of those things. 

You see, when Harry shared the results of his day with his boss he was fishing. Fishing for a simple response, one that would feed his desire to outwork others. All he needed to hear from Larry was a sincere “Thank you” for a job well done. Instead he felt in competition with his boss for who got the most done. 

Larry failed to take the bait. Then he failed in his leadership role. 

The thing is, Larry is a pretty good leader, he just forgot that leadership is a full time job. He forgot to always be on the lookout for an opportunity to recognize his people. He forgot that failure to recognize his people can turn a high performing team member into a mediocre performer overnight. He forgot that failure to recognize his people is a fast way to demotivate his people.

It’s an easy thing to forget. But the best leaders don’t forget that their own success is completely dependent upon the success of their people. That’s why they always look for opportunities to show their people that they make a difference and it’s noticed. 

When was the last time you offered one of your people a simple thank you for a job well done? Don’t wait for the bait, do it today!