Why is recognition Important In Leadership? That’s the question we are going to answer in today’s post. First though before we delve in, I want you to write down why you think recognition is important in leadership and see if we match up.
Who doesn’t love recognition? We want it from our parents, teachers, coaches, and partners. Most of us want to be appreciated for the efforts we put in. No matter how big or small they may be. We can’t control when someone gives us praise but we can control when we dish it out. To become a person of influence in someone’s life you have to learn to give out genuine recognition and appreciation. This is what people crave for in my experience of coaching people. I even find it in myself. I like it when my wife notices I’ve tidied up the kitchen or my mentor appreciates my efforts. We are all humans and crave to be noticed in life no matter if your an introvert or extrovert. Just like a child, you want your attention and praise. It continues throughout your whole life.
What can damage someone’s self-esteem is when they get no recognition. This can lead to negative self-talk and low self-esteem. Especially in children because when they grow up in an environment where there is no love for them – it can have lasting mental health issues as they grow older.
I don’t want this for my children and anyone I come into contact with. Everybody deserves to be praised and recognised for their efforts and if we can start this earlier in a child’s life, imagine the change we can have on other people.
So below I have come up with ways you can help people around you feel recognised and appreciated. This has worked for me personally and professionally and has changed the way I have a connection with others. This will answer why recognition is important In leadership.
1. Remember their achievements
When you’re parenting or coaching, recognise the personal achievement they have. It could be they scored their first goal in an U7s football match. It could be they closed their first sale. Whether you were by their side or not, making a conscious effort to praise them for the achievements that mean so much to them is a major confidence boost to someone’s self-esteem. Especially, someone, they look up to. The best way to achieve this is to purposely look out for it and write it down so you can remember to give out that positive re-enforcement of a great job.
2. Make them feel the same way whether it’s big or small
Whenever you are giving recognition out make sure you make them feel the same way no matter what they have achieved. Especially when in your mind’s eye there a difference in what you perceive to an achievement. For example, if you compared your walking ability to someone who’s learning to walk again there’s a difference. What you may take for granted might be someone else’s achievement. So put your self in their position of what achievement means to them.
3. Remember their name
What people respond and love hearing the most is the sound of their name. When someone forgets your name. How does it make you feel? Compared to when someone does remember your name? For me, there is a difference. The foremost annoys me and the other makes me of worth. It’s crazy how your name can have such a powerful effect on yourself. That in mind it has the same effect to others. So a great way for you to show recognition to others is remembering people’s names. I do this by writing their name down and putting one positive fact about them. This helps me to remember the name to the persons’ actions.
4. Show you care for real
Have you ever felt someone who’s trying to praise you or be nice to you but for some reason, it just feels fake? It’s because it’s a show. The words that they’re saying does not match up with what they are feeling. This will not create a connection and will alienate the individual. That’s why it’s so important when you offer recognition, you do it from a place of care. Your words are truthful and you care about the impact you want to have on the people you show recognition to.
5. Make them feel 10 feet tall
If you do all of the above 4 steps you will make the person in front feel self-worthy and recognised for their achievements. This will allow them to confidently pursue their goals and life purpose to another level. They will go home a feel-good that day that someone cared about their efforts. That’s a powerful impact you can have on someone life. So be genuine with your praise and know what you say to another human being can have an impact on them where they can feel 10 feet tall or 1 foot tall. It’s down to us to make them feel the best they have ever felt.
Conclusion
After reading Becoming A Person Of Influence by John C. Maxwell it motivated me to write this post today. One of the standout quotes from his book was. “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticise me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” Did we help you answer why recognition is important in leadership? Let us know in the comments down below.
FUTURE MINDSET
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