The Power of Giving Recognition
People who give compliments and recognition are people I remember.
For several years, I have sent out a newsletter. Two people have regularly given me thanks for my work in creating and publishing that newsletter. One of these people is a senior executive at The Walt Disney Company. The other person was the Vice President of Sales at Nestle at age thirty-two and today places more C-level executives than any other corporate recruiter in the country.
In the past week, I got a marketing email from one of my favorite clients. The president of that company has been a loyal client and friend for twenty-five years. His company did a terrific job on the email. I sent him a note, complimenting him on his marketing campaign.
The best boss I ever had moved through levels of greater responsibility rapidly. He was a four-star Admiral. I once showed him some work I had just completed. He said that the work was outstanding. Then he said, “Of course, I would expect no less from you.”
I have read that the words people most like to hear are the words in their name. When I greet people, I say their name. Names are great for communication, so that people know that you are speaking with them. More important is that, when I say a person’s name, I am giving them recognition.
I compliment a person on their appearance to give them self-confidence and to let that person know that their presence adds value to my day. A receptionist in my office taught me a nice way to compliment people on their appearance. What she said was most comfortable for her was for someone to compliment something she was wearing. I try to remember that suggestion whether I am complimenting a man or a woman.
The real winners in giving recognition are the people giving the recognition. These people attract people to them. I remember people when they take time to give me recognition or a compliment. I find that especially is the case when I have done a large job and few people have said anything about the work I have done. I also find that I remember people who have repeatedly thanked me for my work or told me I did a good job.
