We Are Recognition Starved
Posted on March 08, 2012 by Diane Rolston, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.
Recognition is lacking in society. What would the world be like if we were thanked, honoured or recognized for all that we do. Would it push you?
As we have experienced, recognition is sadly lacking in society today and we just don’t thank people enough for their contributions.
According to a Harris Poll when people were asked,
“What 2 or 3 things do you want most in a job?”
The first three most frequent answers were:
1. A good salary
2. Job security
3. Recognition for a job well done
While you may not employ anyone or be in a position to give financial recognition in your day to day life – Which do you do more? Criticize or recognize?
How do you feel when you receive recognition?
How do you feel when you receive criticism?
Do you feel your tension and mood change?
Of course we feel better when we think about being recognized.
Maslow concluded that NEEDS drive MOTIVATION
50 years ago, psychologist Abraham Maslow researched human motivation and determined that needs drive motivation.
In Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, we are driven to fulfill them all: starting at our most basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, safety, and security, to our more sophisticated needs of ego satisfaction and self-actualization.
As we all know, most of these we can quite easily satisfy ourselves. However, the need for recognition, is one of our more sophisticated needs, and is one of the most difficult to achieve.
WHY? – It is the only one of the needs that comes completely from others.
When I was growing my parents gave me the best gift of all – they said things to me that made me believe in myself and praised me when I did well.
But when we grow up, who gives us this recognition now?
What if instead of worrying about our own needs, we shined the light on others – We RAM!
We Recognize others, We Acknowledge others and we Motivate others!
Sound good?
Recognition is vital because it sends a powerful message that the recipient is important.
You can do it without having to spend money, but being genuine is important so move beyond words like “nice work” or “good job” – get creative. Build your recognition and acknowledgment vocab.
Then make the recognition special, don’t just send an email. We can all feel that a written note is more appreciated.
I’m sure we’ve all met some who can Shine the Light: they are positive and make us feel good to the point where we feel lifted, as a result, we like them.
Here are the some ways to shine the light:
People underestimate the power of recognition.
1. Bring out the good too! We have our friends, family coworkers faults nailed down, but do we acknowledge them for all of their strengths.
2. Focus on the lesser attributes in another area. Ex. A successful speaker may be bored by the constant praise for his great presentation, but looking at another quality or area of their life that is not as strong (like their cooking or music), might be the motivation they need to succeed.
3. Focus on all areas! You can shine the light on any part of their life not just about their values, work or success. You can indirectly acknowledge their family, house, or other areas of their life. Asking their opinion also builds them up as well.
Motivation – Shining light on the good should bring happiness to the recipient, but at the very least, it helps you to develop an excellent skill and focus on the good.
Also think about it – If you see the good in everyone, you will never meet anyone that you don’t like.
Seeing the negative weighs down your life, but seeing the good brings lightness.
Is this something we can all do?
Yes – let’s get started – grab a card, a note paper or just get out there and RAM.
RAM Others = Recognize, Acknowledge and Motivate
I know that we can feel motivated to share this experience with others and to record the experiences and results.
I would love to have your comment on when and how you used RAM on others. How did it feel to shine the light on someone? How did it make them feel? Ask them to post it as well. If you Shine the light on others then they will be like a mirror reflecting the light back on you, so your needs will be fulfilled as well.
