Recognition

Employees' top criticism of management in the workplace: not being recognized for what they do well. We all are informed of managers' opinions of our errors or poor performance, if not immediately, then on the next performance evaluation/review/assessment. Whether you are a manager or a coworker, you can turn that around. Recognition can be formal or informal: it simply must celebrate the person or team being recognized for contributions or achievements. A funny awards ceremony in the cafeteria, a "thank you" at a team meeting, a posted proclamation at a work station--use your imagination. Traditional ideas include pizza party, dress-down days, and cruises. Innovative ideas include traveling trophies, role exchanges, and competitions with bragging rights. Bring good performance and results to others' attention to increase morale, retention, satisfaction, performance, and results. Acknowledge specific, positive behaviors to encourage more positivity--and, ultimately, more productivity and profitability. Send a thank you note to someone at work today!