Recognition
When designing safety recognition programs, it's important to remember it's not the tangible "thing" awarded to the recipient that is truly important, it's the form of appreciation shown for the accomplishment achieved that determines the effectiveness of the recognition. The secret to truly effective recognition is to:
- identify the appropriate behavior so the recipient knows specifically why they are being rewarded, and
- show sincere appreciation in the right way so the recipient feels appreciated.
You Get What You Give
The old adage, "you get what you give," certainly applies when it comes to recognizing employees.
- If you're sincere in your appreciation for a job well done, your heart-felt sincerity will come across in the tone of your voice and through body language. Your sincerity will be felt and will result in a heart-felt expression of appreciation from the recipient. The recipient will know you mean it and will feel appreciated. The recognition will achieve the desired effect with lasting positive results - mission accomplished!
- If you're not sincere when you express appreciation, the recipient will know it, and you'll not likely receive a sincere appreciative response or improvement in future performance. Hence, the act of recognizing will not have the desired effect: in fact, if the recipient thinks the recognition is not sincere, the recognition may be counterproductive in terms of morale and performance - mission failure!
Check out this short audio clip from OSHAcademy's CEO, Steve Geigle. He discusses the difference between policy-driven and heart-driven recognition.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. What can you expect to get back from your employees if your recognition is insincere?
You forgot to answer the question!