Recognition“People work for money but they go the extra mile for recognition…” – Dale Carnegie

Recognition comes in many forms. But mostly, it doesn’t come.

We have been so conditioned by reporting on what is not working that we forget to ask what is working. Asking what is working and why, in many cases, is more important than asking what is not working.

Let Me Explain…

Let’s pick on McDonald’s because they are well-known and going through a rough spot. Sales are down about 5 percent. This is the first downturn in sales in its history. McDonald’s, for most of its existence, has been the darling of the fast-food industry. It has experienced more than 28 years of increasing revenues – very impressive.

Now that sales are down and profits have fallen precipitously, the head honchos are responding by increasing hourly wages, unveiling new menus, and a lot of cheerleading. It isn’t unexpected that McDonald’s wouldn’t know how to respond to a downturn. What is unusual is that McDonald’s doesn’t know what truly led to their success in the first place: Consistent, low-cost meals, delivered fast. Add a clown, a lower-cost kids’ meal, and a clean restaurant and voilá — success!

So what does this have to do with recognition?

Numerous studies have demonstrated that, without a doubt, recognized employees become motivated. Find the little success in each individual everyday and you have a winning combination for a motivated employee.

With more than  80 percent of current employees not engaged with the their current employer or job, a little recognition goes a long way.  An extra mile might come your way.

And who couldn’t use an extra mile or two?

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