Many leaders undervalue the importance of appreciating others in their sphere of influence.  So often we can get caught up in management mode or auto pilot that we easily overlook the endless efforts others make to help the team succeed.

Leadership is about relationships and leaders are in the people business.  The benefits of appreciating people through recognition are far to profitable to overlook.  Here are three simple ways to start recognizing people within your team at home, work or church.

Written Recognition:  Write a “thank you” note detailing the specific actions you see the other person is doing.  This is an easy but great way to say “I recognize what you are doing so much that I’ve taken time out of my busy day to appreciate you.”  With today’s technology this may seem old fashion, but this simple technique packs a punch.  Tip:  Places to leave a note.  Desk, computer screen, coffee mug, lunch pail, car dash-board, wallet or purse, book or bible, bathroom mirror, personal delivery etc.

Personal Recognition:  There is so much power in a personal word of encouragement.  Face to face communication allows us to genuinely go beyond the surface and really touch someone’s heart.  I love the way scripture says it.  “Kind words are like honey—they cheer you up and make you feel strong.” Proverbs 16:24(CEV)   Tip:  Stop them in their tracks and ask to talk to them for a minute.  This allows people to stop what they are doing and direct their focus on you.  Be genuine and specific in what actions you appreciate.  Smile and show enthusiasm.  Keep eye contact and watch as their face lights up.

Public Recognition:  People love to hear exactly what they are doing well.  Public recognition says to people, “I celebrate what you are doing and want others too also.”  Tip:  Publicly recognize people’s actions rather than then just recognizing them.  (Remember we want that person to repeat those specific actions, rather than just boosting their ego.)  When we recognize the specific actions people make, we build trusting relationships, all while reinforcing their behaviors, most likely causing them and others to repeat specific actions.

It’s a win for everyone.

Those are just three basic but powerful ways you can begin seeing positive results through recognition at home, work or church.

My prayer is that we can see the value and potential impact we can make in people’s lives and start celebrating others through recognition.

From The Heart, Dan Chavez