Good leaders recognise their employees often
“I see you”
Recognition is a universal expectation, yet not a universal practice. Despite its importance, many leaders overlook the profound impact of acknowledging their team's efforts.
Why is recognition vital? According to Forbes, companies with effective recognition programs experience 31% lower voluntary turnover rates. Recognition isn’t just a morale booster; it’s a strategic business move that enhances retention, boosts productivity, and fosters a positive workplace culture—all essential for driving revenue growth. Moreover, consistent praise acts as a trust bank: when leaders regularly appreciate contributions, they are making deposits into the employee’s trust bank. This builds goodwill, making future tough conversations and developmental feedback more effective because employees will be more receptive to improvement. You can’t withdraw what you haven’t deposited.
In my previous organization, we initiated a culture of appreciation by encouraging employees to write personal notes to each other. Initially, it felt programmatic, but over time, leaders embraced the practice, leading to spontaneous acknowledgments. This shift fostered an environment where "catching people doing right" became the norm.
To recognize effectively, consider the following framework:
Be Specific: Clearly articulate what the individual did and its impact.
Be Timely: Offer recognition promptly to reinforce positive behaviour.
Be Genuine: Ensure your acknowledgment is heartfelt and sincere.
Be Public (When Appropriate): Share praise in public forums to amplify its effect.
By practicing recognition, we convey, "I saw what you did, and I appreciate it." This simple act can transform workplace culture which will contribute to the organization’s financial success.