Bodine Balasco is a Business Keynote Speaker who often shares with his client groups, the latest Top-10 List of what employees want from work. This is truly valuable information for managers and leaders, derived from a study by the Public Agenda Foundation.
On this Top-10 List, item #3 is… Recognition for work well done.
As critically important as this is, it is surprising how often this is overlooked in organizations. There are really only three basic types of recognition. We have the annual awards ceremony where we recognize those people who truly exemplify the values of the organization, and in honoring them we strengthen those values within ourselves and within the organization itself. As well, we generally have some kind of “employee of the month” recognition. And finally, we have what we might call “moment to moments pats of the back for work well done.”
Of these three types of recognition, which one do you think employees like the best, and respond to the most? You guessed it! It’s that third one, “moment to moment pats on the back.”
Most managers and leaders greatly underestimate the productive effect this kind of recognition can have on their employees.
As a business keynote speaker, Bodine offers this advice to managers and leaders, for using recognition on the job:
> Learn to know when praise is appropriate.
Behavioral psychologists suggest recognition is most effective when
it is slightly random and not over done. Most managers are
underperforming in this area, and should make a conscious effort to
“catch their employees doing something right.”
> Criticize in private, praise in private.
There is still a debate going on about this aspect of praise and
recognition. Praising in private is the safest approach.
> When giving praise and recognition, focus on the praiseworthy
behavior, not the person. This is particularly important if you
choose to offer praise publicly, in front of others. For example,
when you informally and publicly give someone recognition,
describe the behavioral characteristic that has earned them
the praise.
If you are looking for a Business Keynote Speaker who can make a difference at your meeting, and also have a lasting impact on your organization, you’ve come to the right place.