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Babies cry for it, and men die for it – recognition.

Recently I was reminded of the importance of recognition when a high achiever rated it above both autonomy and remuneration. Interesting.

Although we outgrow recognition through the healthy exercising of lungs, we may become silent screamers should we be denied it thereafter. After all who doesn’t appreciate the merit in lieu of their personal effort and contribution.

Or are you one who says that recognition is not important to you – really? It’s easy to say that but have you thought it through to the degree that you honestly believe it?

The manner in which you acknowledge or compliment someone is no less significant than the act itself in building positive relationships.  Don’t employ a shotgun approach in recognising those deserving of it. Show that you care and do some homework on their appreciation preference as it will strengthen the glue between you.

A good place to start may be reading the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Once you have identified your primary language, internalise it, including how you feel when it’s ‘spoken’ to you, and you will understand why it resonates at another level compared to the others. Knowing this should spike your curiosity and be a guide on how to powerfully recognise those with whom you interact.

To truly connect you must work with the nature of people, which honours and affirms the contribution of their unique thumbprints. Recognise this by speaking their language and you will never require an interpreter.

A timeous reminder for the words of Maya Angelou who said that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

I bet you can think of someone deserving recognition – give it now! You will reward yourself in the process.  

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.