What if the key to retaining your best people and unlocking their full potential was as simple as ensuring they felt seen and valued?
More Than Just a Number
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy for people to feel invisible—just another cog in the machine. Yet, at our core, we all want to be seen and valued—not just for what we do but for who we are. Leaders hold the unique power to impact people in this way through the simple yet transformative act of recognition.
Why Recognition Matters
Recognition is about more than a quick “good job.” It’s about seeing and valuing the person behind the action.
When a leader takes the time to recognise an individual—not just for what they accomplish, but for the thought, effort, and creativity behind it—it communicates something incredibly meaningful: “I see you, and you matter.”
According to a Gallup study, employees who feel recognized are 2.7 times more likely to be highly engaged in their work. By contrast, 79% of employees who quit their jobs cite “lack of appreciation” as a primary reason.
As a leader, your words and actions carry weight. When you make recognition a consistent habit, you’re not just boosting morale; you’re creating a culture where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to do their best work.
5 Practical Steps to Unlock the Power of Appreciation
Step 1: Spot Opportunities for Recognition
Acknowledge not just big wins but everyday efforts like teamwork or creative ideas.
Action Tip: Track small wins weekly—make quick notes to stay consistent.
Action Tip: Track small wins weekly—make quick notes to stay consistent.
Step 2: Make It Personal and Specific
Generic praise lacks impact. Highlight specific actions and their results.
Example: "James, your quick troubleshooting last week saved us a major delay. Thank you!"
Action Tip: Use concrete examples to show you value peoples expertise and effort.
Example: "James, your quick troubleshooting last week saved us a major delay. Thank you!"
Action Tip: Use concrete examples to show you value peoples expertise and effort.
Step 3: Tailor Recognition to Preferences
Everyone values recognition differently. Some prefer public praise, others private.
Ideas:
Ideas:
- Announce wins in meetings.
- Send a thank-you note.
- Give small tokens of appreciation.
Action Tip: Monitor how your team members prefer to be recognised.
Step 4: Make Recognition a Routine
Consistency builds trust and a culture of appreciation.
Sample Routine:
Sample Routine:
- Monday: Identify standout contributions.
- Wednesday: Give one-on-one feedback.
- Friday: Celebrate wins in a meeting or email.
Action Tip: Schedule 10 minutes weekly for recognition planning.
Step 5: Track Results
Recognition improves morale, productivity, and retention. Measure its impact.
- Use quick feedback surveys.
- Monitor team performance.
- Review turnover rates and exit feedback.
Use Your Power of Recognition
Recognition is not a "nice to have" but a core function of effective leadership. By seeing the person beyond the role, you affirm their importance and make them feel connected and engaged. Don’t let the busyness of leadership distract you from this essential responsibility. Take time to recognise—genuinely, meaningfully—and watch the difference it makes for your people and your team culture.
Recognition is not a "nice to have" but a core function of effective leadership. By seeing the person beyond the role, you affirm their importance and make them feel connected and engaged. Don’t let the busyness of leadership distract you from this essential responsibility. Take time to recognise—genuinely, meaningfully—and watch the difference it makes for your people and your team culture.
Ready to deepen your leadership impact?
Start implementing these recognition strategies today, and watch your team’s engagement soar. If you’re ready to go even further, you can pre-register in my soon-to-be released online course, Mastering Team Leadership: Ignite Success as a Servant-Leader and learn how to build a high-performing team that thrives on recognition and trust.
Best Wishes and Keep Leading!
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