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If there’s one thing I have learned in my life, it is the fact that everyone wants to be appreciated.

This goes for owners, managers, sales teams, admin teams, as well as children.

We never outgrow this need and even if it looks like we are independent and self-sufficient, the fact is we need others to help us feel valued. Never underestimate the power of praise.

Although this might sound like commonsense ,so often commonsense is not common practice in business today.

We are often too busy, or too stressed, to remember that the recognition we crave, others crave as well.

It makes a compelling

case that recognition, rewards, and positive reinforcement all do work and that they can work for you.

Managers can no longer deny the power and practicality of praising.

No longer will praise, recognition and rewards be optional in managing people.

Were you aware that studies have strongly indicated that members of a team find personal recognition more motivational than money?

The most powerful motivator is the personal, instant recognition from their managers. While money is important what tends to motivate a team to perform, and to perform at a higher level, is the thoughtful, personal kind of recognition that signifies true appreciation for a job well done.

The motivation is all the stronger if the form of recognition creates a story that the person can tell to family and friends.

Be sure that you match the reward to the person, taking into consideration their personal preferences, align the reward to their hobbies. Match the reward to their achievement, the greater the result the greater the recognition.

Be timely and specific. To be effective rewards need to be given as soon as possible after the desired behavior or achievement.

Avoid ‘Jelly Bean’ motivation – that is giving the same reward to every member of the team.

Your reward programmes should reflect your company’s values and business strategy.

Remember compensation is what you give people for doing the job they were hired to do. Recognition, on the other hand, celebrates an effort beyond the call of duty.