5 mins read//
Many of us were raised to strive to be the best. Hence most of us are trying to be the best at work too.  In today’s ultra-competitive tech landscape, where every milestone counts and the pressure never lets up, the achievements of individuals and teams often go unnoticed even when they might be trying their best.
Acknowledgement/Recognition is a way to ground yourself as a human being first, fostering a more humane approach to leadership—what I call HUMAN (Heeding Yourself-Understanding your team – Messaging – Acknowledging- Nurturing) Leadership. Acknowledging and recognizing achievements helps you connect more deeply with people, boosts morale, increases productivity, and reinforces the behaviours that lead to success.
Here’s why making recognition a regular part of your leadership presence is crucial and how you can implement it effectively-
1. Humanizing the Workplace - Taking a moment to acknowledge and recognize achievements reminds everyone that they are valued as humans. This human connection is integral in today’s digital age, where personal interactions are often overshadowed by virtual communications.
By recognizing your team, you foster a sense of belonging and significance.
Do incorporate personalized acknowledgments during team calls or in your internal newsletters. Do not go for standard thank you and empty acknowledgments, rather make it specific and meaningful for people. Read this article for more on making you team feel valued-Â Simple Ways to Make Your Team Feel Valued
2. Enhancing Team Cohesion - Recognition promotes inclusivity and can help knit teams closer together, creating a collaborative environment where every contribution is valued.
It encourages others to appreciate their colleagues' efforts, thereby enhancing team spirit.
Celebrate team achievements regularly, perhaps through monthly recognition events or spot awards for outstanding contributions.
3. Encouraging Positive Behaviours - Regular recognition of desired behaviours reinforces those actions and motivates others to emulate them, fostering a culture of growth and positivity.
It directs the focus towards what matters most to your organization, aligning actions with values.
Be specific about what behaviours you are recognizing and why they matter, ensuring clarity and relevance. Here is an article from HBR on the timings of appreciation -Â When Expressing Gratitude to Employees, Timing Matters
4. Building a Culture of Trust and Openness -Â When leaders openly recognize their teams, it builds trust and encourages openness. People feel safer in expressing their ideas and sharing their concerns, knowing they are in a supportive environment.
Use recognition as an opportunity to have open conversations about what works well and what can be better.
5. Facilitating Constructive Feedback Recognizing and acknowledging positive achievements not only celebrates what is working well but also sets a foundation for delivering constructive feedback. When people feel valued and respected, they are more receptive to discussions about areas for improvement.
Incorporating recognition into your leadership style will help you create a supportive, human-centric culture that values each person. This approach not only boosts engagement and performance but also aligns with the core principles of HUMAN Leadership. Here is another article from HBR showcasing the importance of saying thanks at work -Â Our Favorite Management Tips About Showing Gratitude at Work
Acknowledging you, your work is equally important, so start acknowledging yourself too, it will help you to look at others in different way.
Ren Ecosystem