Of course, a 3-year-old can’t clean - at least not very well. But we praise her. Recognize her efforts. And she loves it. It makes her so proud. She wants to ‘clean’ even more.
Recognition. It is a basic human need, according to Maslow’s well-known Hierarchy of Needs. We want to be seen and appreciated.
Recognition increases motivation and helps reconcile conflicts.
Lack of recognition causes demotivation, frustration, conflict.
Also in the workplace, recognition is powerful. It creates optimistic, engaged, and productive employees. Lack of recognition is one of the top reasons for resignation.
Even so, leaders often underestimate the importance of recognition. A pat on the back, a word of praise, a congratulatory email - it is often downplayed and forgotten about.
Leaders; think back to your childhood. How it made you glow when your parents would compliment your littlest efforts. How it made you proud. And motivated.
We coach leaders to get back into that habit. To give sincere, specific, personal recognition. That is timely, because delayed praise decreases the impact.
So go on, recognize someone's efforts today. Make their day. I'm sure it will make yours, too.
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