Everyone loves receiving compliments, but what about giving the compliments? Recognition is more than just saying, “Hey, I like your new haircut” or “Wow! I love your outfit.” Recognition involves being incredibly attentive to those around you and knowing when to acknowledge that person for all of their hard work. At the right time, recognition can make all the difference.
As a child, I found myself being overly critical in the search for recognition. I always believed that I wasn’t working hard enough or that I wasn’t doing enough right to be praised. Had I been given the recognition I deserved, I would have become more secure in my own thoughts and actions. Knowing now how such a small thing could have changed my life, I find it rewarding knowing that I have the ability to positively impact other peoples’ lives.
In my mind, there are two types of recognition: the kind that praises people for their hard work and the kind that is used to lift people up when they need it most. The first kind is the easiest to recognize and therefore the easiest to give out. When you see those around you doing good things or working hard, you tell them so. This kind of recognition is earned and is based on a person’s actions. The second kind of recognition is less recognizable and harder to understand. Giving praise when it is needed, not always justified, seems unnecessary. However, to those receiving the recognition, it can keep them going, motivate them, or help them through a tough time. Rather than recognition being given as a result of a specific action, the second kind of recognition is given when a person may not be doing anything at all. For example, when you are giving recognition to someone because they have done something good or have displayed exceptionally hard work, you would say something like, “Thank you for all of your hard work. You are an integral part of this team and your presence and accountability does not go unnoticed.” If you are giving recognition to someone because they need a little enlightenment at the moment, you might say something like, “Hey, I appreciate all of your diligence and dedication even though I know you’re going through some things. Please know that I appreciate you and am here for you.” Though the recognition is caused by different things, the effect is still the same: people get to feel the warmth and happiness that comes from being acknowledged by those around them.
The key to recognition is attentiveness and awareness. People are all around you, but are you seeing them? Every person has a different path, a different story and different daily outlook. Take the time that you can to try to understand each person around you and use recognition as a tool to encourage and motivate them. What you say is more than just words; those words hold value that can change the lives of others.