Leadership Briefs

Recognition, Reward and Celebration

When considering how to engage and retain your best talent, the menu includes the following options:

Words spoken publicly
Words that are written privately
Gifts that always express appreciation
Perks that acknowledge the extra sacrifices made
Time that compensates for the additional effort invested
Flexibility of when, where, and how their work gets completed
Events that tell the bigger story while recognizing the contributors

RECOGNITION

The Law of Recognition states that someone is watching, noticing, remembering, and taking action. Identify the exceptional contributors, confirm the details of their stories, and creatively share their examples and accomplishments.

Every organization needs “watchers” who notice three things about team members: (1) their positive attitude, (2) their incredible work ethic, and (3) their exceptional outcomes. Recognition helps clarify the organization’s values. It is also an answer to the front-line assumption that leaders like to take credit for their team member’s hard work and great results.

The Return on Investment for Recognition is productivity and job satisfaction.

REWARD

The Law of Reward indicates that these are given privately to individuals who exceed expectations. Rewards are given to individuals who are recognized as high-potential employees. They are given privately so as not to embarrass the recipient or those not receiving this acknowledgement. Rewards are given to celebrate the team member’s achievement. It’s important to reward individuals according to their unique motivation which will vary from one person to another. Be sure the criteria for selection is applied fairly to every team member being considered.

The Return on Investment for Rewards is productivity and engagement.

 CELEBRATION

The Law of Celebration declares that this is done publicly for teams who have successfully completed projects and surpassed goals. Take advantage of these formal and informal celebrations to tell the organization’s story. Tie the accomplishments of a team to the vision, mission, values, and strategy of the company. Celebrate publically to model the vision in action. Recognize teams to communicate that the “whole is more than the sum of its parts.” Emphasize how the collaboration was required for the success. The celebration should be festive, positive, memorable, built on stories, and include an element of humor.

The Return on Investment for Celebration is
productivity and retention.

LEADERSHIP DEBRIEF

Look for excuses to celebrate what your team members are accomplishing. Keep it short and simple, do it often, and do it differently each time. These are memory making moments with a return on investment that always surpasses the costs of time or supplies. Do it during lunch or a morning/afternoon break. Serve something to eat and drink. Buy it, make it, and serve it with a smile. Forever and always say, Thank You!