Photo Credit: Created by Evan Brooks using Wix.
When was the last time you told someone how much you appreciate them and all that they do or have done? If you are struggling to think of a recent instance, it is okay. Now, it is not okay that it has been so long, but it is okay because you still have the opportunity to do so. Recognition can go a long way; when someone recognizes the work you put forth on something, like a project, you feel exuberant. You, too, can spread that feeling to others at little to no cost to you.
From a phone call or a text to creating a gift for someone, recognition can be as simple or as thought out as you want. The goal of this article is to ensure you show how grateful you are of others. Those you appreciate may not know it, and even if they do, it is not a bad idea to remind them every once in a while.
Recognition is not only a great personal action but an astounding tool to use in your work life. If you are in charge of a team, make sure they know how much you appreciate them. When you recognize someone’s great work, they are more likely to continue that work and improve upon it as well.
A Harvard University article, published by Harvard’s faculty of arts and sciences human resources department, states that, “rewards, at their best, can cost little or even nothing, but they can mean a great deal to the person being recognized.”
https://hr.fas.harvard.edu/recognition
The act of recognition itself only takes a few minutes max, but the impact it leaves with the receiving person will last forever. Being recognized can go the other way as well. How many times have you gone above and beyond what you were supposed to do at home or at work just to be put down for something you didn’t do?
Often, people will go out of their way to do something and be bashed for something they messed up on. Two things need to happen: first, we need to rely less on others’ recognition for something we did, and second, we need to hand out our own appreciation more. In realizing that others’ approval for something we did is not needed, we can focus our attention on doing more amazing things instead of waiting for others. And, in knowing that feeling of not being recognized for something great we did, we can understand why our own approval to someone else may mean so much.
If you are in a position of power in a WCU organization, recognize all of your peers and advisors that help make your organization so spectacular. Recognition is something that anyone can give, and everyone will appreciate. If you are a boss, recognize your employees, and if you are an employee, show appreciation to your boss. Should someone deserve your appreciation, don’t hesitate to give it.
The ability to appreciate someone else for their work is a practice in gratitude for all those around you and what they are able to accomplish. When you give thanks to another, you are also lifting up yourself. The path to all success is paved by lifting others up with you.
When it comes to recognition and appreciating others, it is imperative that we don’t wait around, meaning don’t wait to give or receive it. Following my own words, I won’t be hesitating to give thanks to all those that have helped me this semester, and neither should you.
This will be the last article of this column for the semester. If you enjoyed this column, please head to the attached link to vote for its continuation in the spring. And if you have any ideas that relate to this column that you think I should write about, email me using the email in the byline below.
Survey Link- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S96JTQL
Evan Brooks is a third-year Business Management major with minors in Economics and Civil and Professional Leadership. EB916132@wcupa.edu