The class instructor asked us, “Do you feel you get enough recognition in your job?” Only one out of the thirty-four leaders taking the coaching class raised their hand. Sadly, several of the people in the room were leaders in my organization. This question led me to take a look at the importance of recognition at a deeper level. I wanted to know what effects recognition had on achievement and job satisfaction in the workplace. What I found is recognition is about more than money or a pat on the back. Its purpose holds greater significance than motivating employees to achieve the goals of an organization. Recognition not only affects job achievement and satisfaction, but it also heavily impacts our human identity. When examined closely, the human need for recognition is inherent to every individual.
In his book, Here and Now: Living in the Spirit, Henri Nouwen wrote: “One of the tragedies of our life is that we keep forgetting who we are.” Recognition has the power to remind people who they are by showing them they are valued and that they have worth – this is the gift of dignity. Recognition is a way to make aware the meaning of one’s contribution to the greater good of an organization and the world at large. This is why I believe recognition, when given consistently, is the secret to unlocking human potential and good communication, and building trust and collaboration while reducing turnover within your organization.
Do you feel you get enough recognition in your workplace, your church or your home? If you don’t, you are not alone.
In a global workforce study, regular recognition was proven to increase profits by increase of 28 percent in earning per share over a 12-month period. Yet only 12 percent of total employees’ surveyed said they received any appreciation for work well done in a specified work week.
In a recent Barna Group study (June 2015) on the decline of women in the church, one of the reasons noted for decline was a “lack of emotional engagement and support”. 43% of women surveyed said they received no emotional support from the people in their church or synagogue. Regardless, of what was really happening in these churches, these women did not feel seen or heard. The study results prove, regardless of gender, if a person’s needs, value or service was not recognized, they left the church.
A lack of recognition in the home is usually rooted in the undervaluing or comparing of roles. For example: If one spouse decides to stay home as a full-time parent, they may feel a lack of recognition in comparison to their working spouses position. There are no fine dining opportunities, or $100 bills taped inside a child’s diaper. Nor is the child saying: “Thank you for changing me, you are doing such a fine job.” (One of my children made diaper changing quite the opposite scene of gratitude.) On the other hand, the working parent may not get recognition for missing the child’s first steps or for the extra hours they work to cover the absent pay check.
Recognition tells someone they matter. Tweet this Recognition says, I see you and I hear you. Recognition shows a person’s value. Recognition has the power to engage people in a mission and purpose outside themselves.
If you are interested in finding out the things that hold us back from giving recognition, make sure to open your next blog, and join the conversation.
I would love to hear your thoughts on, Do you feel you get enough recognition? Please don’t hesitate to share your stories or comments below.
If you found this blog helpful or encouraging, it would be the greatest complement to me if you shared it on your social networks. Thank you for helping build our community!
In life and leadership,
Angela
What do you think?