Recognition matters!  Survey after survey conducted in the last twenty years has shown the connection between recognition and business results.  Even though most managers know they should recognize the people on their team – they don’t or they don’t nearly often enough.  According to leadership expert Jim Kouzes, about one-third of North American workers say they never are recognized for a job well done while slightly more (44 percent) report that they receive little recognition for a job well done.

Ready to recognize?  Here are some ways to put spark into your recognition efforts.

1. Make it happen in the moment

Perhaps you feel like recognition might mean more at the department meeting?  Or maybe you would like time to get the words just right?  Don’t put it off.  When a person does something that should be recognized, provide appreciation in some form immediately.

Here’s one time when it…