Love is big; maybe it’s just “enjoy a bit more” for you. I think that’s great. It’s about raising the enjoyment bar a bit higher. And today, I go that opportunity to raise the bar.
At the end of the year recognition event for 220 people, I was able to provide a bit of community building coupled with great conversation. In the midst of the conversation some really great things happened.
People were asked to share stories about the last time they were recognized, or provided some recognition for someone else. Why? Stories help create culture. Cultures that retain a great work force are those that have a focus on recognition.
Big or small.
Elaborate or spur-of-the-moment.
Expensive or Priceless (think MasterCard).
Recognition increases morale. Boosts productivity. Retains great people. Attracts people who want to be great.
Companies, or just that one manager in the organization, who focuses efforts on recognition have a chance to create something where the human spirit gets to come to work. Be productive – not, just as measured by the numbers. But measured by the contributions. To the bottom-line as well as the human potential.
To really bring the message about recognition home, I asked the group to think about someone they’d give an award to. What would it be called? Who would you present it to? And for what reasons? The best part of the day was when I asked if anyone wanted to share an example of the Award they’d create.
Person, after person, came up to the front of the room. A room of 220 people remember, to give public praise and present that persona with the Award. Today, I met the recipients of “Man of the Year,” “Mr. Know’s All the Right Stuff,” “The Hardest Working Unit Around,” and “Head Cheerleader.”
It’s not about the title – it’s about the story. These stories of recognition and praise can happen at any time. You don’t just need to have a special end of the year event.
If you could create an Award, what would it be called?
Who would you give it to?
For what reasons?
Here are some simple templates, or just create your own. Start sharing the stories. Stories are what create a culture.
Simple recognition is key in keeping the great people who can help you raise the bar.
Want Jeff to help raise the bar with your group, click here for more ideas.
Filed under: Personal Development, Point of Passion | Tagged: 1001 Ways to Recognize Employees, Awards, Culture, Enjoy work, Life, Love, Morale, Praise, Productivity, Raise the bar, Recognition, stories, storytelling, Team
Jeff. Lindsay R here. Way impressed with your site, your writing, and your to be book! Wow. Way to go, I totally knew you would be inspiring people everywhere one day! Ever remember kicking people off the island? I am sure that wasn’t very nice……
Hi there,
We’re checking out your site. Good stuff. We love what we do. I also want to know how to make a MIH plan in Adobe. Talk soon.
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