Getting a REWARD feels great at first. But with time the good feeling fades.

We each get a consistent reminder about why we work when our paycheck arrives.

While I would like to think that REWARDS like a bi-weekly paycheck and annual bonus are enough to motivate behavior and the results our employers want from us, I know that isn’t all that we need as human beings.

We need connection. We need to be heard and understood.

That requires others to LISTEN to us. And ideally, they will ASK questions. More than one question to ensure they understand us fully.

Do you remember when you last received RECOGNITION?

Recognition is personal praise or gratitude for good work. It is written words or words expressed verbally.

Anyone can provide recognition to someone else. You can provide recognition to your coworkers, your boss, your kids, your dog, or your neighbor.

And sadly, it doesn’t happen often enough.

So, RECOGNIZE three people today. And then do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. Until it is a habit.

Pay attention to how you feel. Pay attention to the behavior and results of the people (or dog) you RECOGNIZE.

REWARDS are transactional. RECOGNITION is relational.

We need both to thrive.

#rewards #recognition #compensation #pay #humanresources #leadbyexample