3. Above-and-Beyond Recognition
In many instances, employees complete tasks that deserve more than the day-to-day recognition.
“Great managers praise effort,” said Gostik. “But when there is a big result, we reward.”
Attendees offered examples of such cases, including an employee who stayed late to help a customer and another who received written praise from a client for a job very well done. One attendee from Oklahoma even recalled the time a coworker organized a storm safety plan during a hurricane.
Related: More 2014 NSCA BLC Coverage
For these circumstances Gostik encouraged managers to offer special recognition, whether it is organizing food delivery at a jobsite or returning the favor on an extremely tough task an employee completed.
“When it comes to recognition, presentation is everything,” he said.
In delivering recognition, consider the STEP method: tell a Story, do it Together, Emphasize a core value, Personalize the recognition.
Inviting others to the participate, being very specific on the acknowledgments, and doing so in a timely manner are all positive ways to do this. On the flip side, a lack of preparation, embarrassing comments, and unattainable promises can lead to a wasted opportunity.
“Criticism is private, praise is public,” said Gostik, later adding, “People forget what you say or do, but they don’t forget how you make them feel.”
