Rules for Recognition
- Standards: Develop clear, criterion-based standards of individual and group performance. I know it's a common practice, but do not reward your employees for being first, best, most improved, or lucky. Doing that generally creates one winner and many losers and of course, the losers don't like it. You know what I'm talking about, because it's probably happened to you. In a worst-case scenario, the organization creates standards that are perceived by employees as being a function of internal politics, or political correctness, rather than personal achievement. Recognition based on internal politics is absolutely worthless. Remember, personal criterion-based recognition works best. Bottom line: Everyone who meets or exceeds the criteria for recognition, gets recognized. You have the potential to create many winners, and that's what you want.
Don't create one winner. Create many winners!
- Subtlety: Be subtle when recognizing. You don't have to make recognition a big public display. Recognition in private has been shown to be generally more effective than public recognition. Believe it or not, most people do not like to be paraded in front of their peers to be recognized.
- Surety: Employees need to be sure that if they achieve your criteria for recognition, you will keep your promise and recognize them. Unfortunately, the number one reason employees do not trust management is that supervisors and managers lack integrity: they do not do what they said they were going to do. If you follow through with promised recognition, your employees will be more likely to achieve the desired level of performance: you can be sure of that.
- Staying-Power: If you have or are developing a recognition program, make sure that you build staying power behind it. Any type of recognition that is received by some but not by others, later on, can make your intent of recognition seem insincere. (Thanks to Patrick Bucksot for this rule.)
Well, we hope that helps you understand how to effectively recognize others. If you can think of another rule, let us know. The only requirement is the rule must be summarized with a word that starts with the letter "S". Good luck!
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-6. What is the best strategy to ensure your recognition is most effective?
You forgot to answer the question!