A U.S. Navy Admiral once told me one of his most powerful leadership tools fit in the palm of his hand.
At the end of each week, he would walk the floor checking in on his people. When he saw exceptional effort, he would shake their hand while quietly placing one of his Admiral’s coins into their palm.
He said the reactions he gets are priceless.
Most organizations do a poor job recognizing people.
Under pressure, leaders naturally focus on productivity, efficiency, deadlines and results. But in doing so, they often overlook the very people making those results possible.
This Comes At A Cost
A 2024 Gallup study found employee turnover drops almost in half when employees feel recognized and appreciated.
Another report found:
1) People who feel valued are more engaged, motivated and loyal
2) 98% said they would work harder if they felt more appreciated
3) Recognition matters more than most leaders realize
But not all appreciation works.
It Can Backfire
Generic, poorly timed or token gestures can actually backfire.
I know of a healthcare company that froze raises one year but handed out $10 gift cards as a thank you. Several valued employees were so insulted they started looking elsewhere.
Affirmation is one of the lowest cost and highest leverage things you can do as a leader. Here are five things to keep in mind:
- Frequency matters more than grandness…small regular moments are more impactful than big annual events…don’t wait to celebrate the outcome but the process along the way
- Specificity is better than general praise…instead of “Great job!” try “The way you handled that upset customer yesterday was exceptional”
- Proximity matters…recognition from direct leaders and peers carries more weight
- Get help…look for those around you who are empathetic, nurturing and creative to help you see what to recognize in your people and how to affirm it…build a culture where people report regularly when they observe an exceptional job done by another
- Authenticity is the multiplier…coach yourself and other leaders in how best to deliver appreciation
How’s Your Effort?
The biggest investment needed to do recognition well is your effort.
Who do you need to acknowledge today?
