Recognition When I talk to coaching clients about recognition it is often in the structure of organizational behavior. The idea that motivation is disconnected from salary. Happiness and fulfillment come from recognition, autonomy, input, feeling valued as well as other non-monetary factors. This is a perfect time to recognize the valuable work you have done, the support you have given to others, and the support you have received. You may find yourself as the catalyst for change. Recognizing a colleague or friend for their positive impact may start a chain reaction where they do the same for someone else.
Who was there for you when you were dealing with a challenge? What was the impact of their support? What were your objectively positive accomplishments?
Acceptance Some of us, myself included, have a hard time accepting a compliment. I am in the “put my head down and work” camp and expect my results to be my reward. I get uncomfortable when someone singles me out for praise or thanks. This extends to friends and neighbors who are regular recipients of my home-baked bread. I try to be more accepting of their acknowledgements and, more importantly, that they see it as beyond regular, routine, or expected. I think acceptance is both the actual ability to take a compliment and a willingness to accept that the work is truly valuable and goes above and beyond expectations.
What would it feel like to view your efforts as remarkable? Who can help you acknowledge your noteworthy “super” powers? How can you help others accept your compliment as intended?
Gratitude How can we adequately show gratitude? First, the gratitude needs to match the action. An inappropriate show of thanks can leave the recipient scratching their head in bemusement. A small gesture might warrant a text message or email, not a giant bouquet of flowers (my wife would say a bouquet of flowers is always a good thing). We can also be grateful for circumstances that have nothing to do with another person. You might feel grateful for your health, a career that you enjoy, the ability to watch a sunset, or smell the fresh air. Whether you express that feeling to anyone else, acknowledging your internal gratitude helps maintain balance with the other stories you may be telling yourself.
What or who are you grateful for? What have you done that someone else might be grateful for? How would you like someone to express their gratitude to you?
You may be the kind of person who does not brag or look to bring attention to what you have accomplished, your impact on others, or the real value you have created. Bragging does not have to be boastful (and uncomfortable) if you can do it through Belonging, Recognition, Acceptance, and Gratitude. I’m not built for the traditional definition, but I am working on my newer approach. As the calendar has flipped and we begin our next trip around the sun, consider spending a few minutes to ponder your BRAG for 2022.
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