The Impact of Recognition by Kristina Schmitt, Owner of Kristina Schmitt Development Prospective clients often seek leadership training because they need help handling difficult situations or employees. While all leaders must learn to set and uphold expec-
Sp: Specific – Be precise about what the person did to deserve recognition. While you may appreciate that a volunteer always shows up, specificity makes praise more meaningful. Instead of a vague “Thanks for being reliable,” try: “I really appreciated you showing up during that blizzard” or, “I noticed you made time to help right before your vacation — that meant a lot.” I: Impact – Help them see why their actions matter. When people understand how they contribute to the organization’s success, they’re more likely to repeat those behaviors. Take it a step further by sharing how their actions personally impacted you. Saying, “Your extra effort on that project helped me meet a tough deadline” adds a powerful layer of connection. T: Timely – Recognition loses its effect when delayed. Don’t wait for a formal review or an award ceremony — acknowledge great work as soon as possible. Immediate recognition reinforces the behavior and increases the likelihood of it happening again. Gift cards, bonuses, and team lunches are great ways to show appreciation, but your words — or even a handwritten note — can create a lasting impact. A moment of genuine recognition today can fuel motivation, loyalty, and excellence for years to come.
tations, constructive feedback should actually be one of the least frequent tasks they perform. Yet, I rarely get asked for training in an area where leaders should spend far more time: recognition. In a recent session, we discussed the best ways to recognize employees and volunteers. Gift cards, bonuses, and other tangible rewards came up. While these are nice gestures, their impact is fleeting. The next time you need a big favour, the recipient might remember the gift card and put in extra effort out of obligation — but that’s a short-term gain at best. The reward that truly keeps on giving is sincere, heartfelt words of appreciation. Words have power. When you express genuine appreciation, you reinforce positive beliefs about a person’s value, abilities, and contributions. This shapes not only how they see themselves but also how they perceive you and your organization. If this sounds exaggerated, consider this: our thoughts drive every action we take. When we have the opportunity to reinforce someone’s positive self-perception, we should seize it—because the impact extends far beyond today’s work. Want to improve how you recognize and appreciate your team? Just remember to SpIT it out!
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Hometown St. Thomas • April 2025 • Page 59
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