Praise and Recognition: A tiny habit to boost morale.

You know when someone reminds you to do those really obvious things that you often put off or forgot to get to?

Even as they speak the words you're already nodding and saying:

"Yeah, yeah, I know I should do more of that..."

Today is one of those days... 

I'm talking about praise and recognition for your team.

We're not just talking about it though..

Together, we're actually going to acknowledge the kick arse work someone else has done for you recently and build a system for doing it more often.

(because we both know we should do more of it)

Often we're living such busy lives these days that we forget the power of a tiny thank you.

Or a meaningful text or phone call to say well done.

Sometimes there are also those moments when you want to say it but you don't because you think they were just doing the job they're paid for right?

Wrong.

You've got to remember that:

We get what we reward for. 

Maybe read that again...

If you're going to to more of it, make it simple.

I have a little pile of notepads and nice envelopes from Muji piled up on my desk so I can quickly write a handwritten note to someone on short notice.

I'm all about removing friction around things I want to do so I make sure it's easy to do the thing.

I also love good stationery... 

And this way I get the opportunity to use nice stuff to make other people happy.

Right now you and I are going to say thanks to someone who deserves it. 

So, get a piece of paper. 

(seriously...)

Mine's going to go to Ebony and Lisa.

They've been running such a tight ship at our Woden store lately and I keep forgetting to tell them.

In fact, months ago they noticed that with some tweaks to the roster, we could operate more efficiently. 

It's one of the first times in history that someone has proactively reduced wages for no incentive AND at their own expense of having to work harder. 

You’re probably thinking that a thank you note doesn’t really cut it huh…

I agree…

Let’s add a couple of vouchers in… 

We’re in the food business so I reckon a food theme is good. 

There’s a nearby restaurant I’ll grab a couple of vouchers from there.

What about you?

What's your message and who's it going to?

In today's hectic world, it's pretty common to get caught up in the daily grind and forget the essential human elements that underpin our work:

Connection, Appreciation, and Recognition. 

Never underestimate the value of praising your team.

In my experience, it sticks with people for way longer than think...

Months or even a year in some cases.

Spotting Excellence in the Everyday

Every day, members of your team are doing remarkable things. 

Good service, a deeper clean, solved a small but niggling problem, cleaned out old files, diffused a heated situation… there are hundreds of these per person each year. 

By spotting and acknowledging these moments of brilliance as they occur, you not only motivate the individual to do more of it, but it also sends a message to the entire team that excellence is recognised and appreciated here.

And that's the culture you're shooting for so you attract other excellent people (who aren't getting recognised).

The Ripple Effect of Recognition

When you praise an individual in a public setting, it causes positive ripples.  

There are even some studies that show that people witnessing it (and not receiving it) also get a rush of feeling good!

I love that!

But beyond the good vibrations you create, it boosts morale, enhances loyalty and builds a culture of excellence. 

All from a tiny thank you.  

Putting It Into Practice

The short answer is:

Be genuine.

I like handwritten notes for this reason.

You might like to do it face-to-face, via video text or through email... 

Come up with something that suits you to make sure your praise is heartfelt and specific to ONE individual for ONE good act.

In this case, don’t address the whole team and don’t be generic.

The goal is to catch people "in the act" of doing good.

This spontaneous recognition can be incredibly impactful.

That's why I like to be ready to do it on the fly.

If you don't have the chance to witness it happening because your team are spread out, ask for a weekly update from managers on who to shout out, and for what. 

Broadcast Shoutouts

Aside from direct recognition, we also use digital shoutouts on our employment platform and Slack. 

You can use internal Facebook or WhatsApp groups for this too.

I find this method better for recognising the achievements of a team but it can also work for individuals especially if the team knew that person was working on something big.

The last bit you might have noticed I threw in is...

Tiny Rewards

Sometimes a thank you doesn't feel like it's enough.

But you don't want to go overboard on gifts...

Small vouchers are good.

- Movie tickets

- Dinner vouchers

- Or something hyper-relevant if you know them well

Vouchers can make a simple thank you really meaningful.

Alright...

Hopefully, by now you're ready to write a note to someone or at least drop them a text to say thanks and that you love their work.

But if I haven't convinced you yet, I'll leave you with this...

Remember that your biggest assets aren't just the products you create or the services you offer; it's the people who work alongside you.

Don't be that person who's too busy to see the good other people do.

(I've been that person on and off...)

Failing to recognise and appreciate others is a slippery path to losing good people and not attracting others.

By harnessing the power of praise and recognising individual contributions, you're building a stronger, more cohesive, and more motivated tribe to kick some arse in the future.

I hope you crush it together.