Do You Also Make. Once in a while, something I read stops me in my tracks and forces me to rethink a past assumption.
on. This time it came from a parenting article that highlighted the importance of recognizing effort in kids. The article was compelling and made a strong case for changing this behavior at home and in the workplace.
According to the article, saying things like "good job" to kids sets up a situation where they resist challenges when things get difficult, since they get too focused on results instead of persisting through challenges. I have to admit, I do make this mistake with my son, often praising him for a job well done without acknowledging the effort he put in.
This made me think of the workplace and how often leaders focus on recognizing results rather than effort. As a coach, I’ve stressed the importance of positive recognition for leaders, but I’ve often missed the emphasis on recognizing effort. This article made me realize that this is a critical component of a leadership discipline.
Recognition of effort, in addition to results, matters for several reasons. First, there’s often a direct connection between effort and results. Salespeople sell more if they make more connections, customer service people get higher ratings if they listen well, and other activities lead to later results. By recognizing effort, we can influence future results and encourage people to continue striving for excellence.
In addition to influencing results, recognizing effort keeps people engaged and motivated in the present. When we appreciate the hard work and dedication of our employees, we show them that their efforts are valued and meaningful. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and improved overall performance.
Of course, we should continue to recognize results when they occur, but it’s essential to also acknowledge the effort that leads to those results. This dual approach can lead to a more engaged, motivated, and productive workforce. As a leader, finding ways to recognize and reward effort can be a powerful way to drive long-term success.
So, what can we do to recognize effort in our workplaces? Here are a few suggestions:
- Make regular check-ins with employees to discuss their progress and the challenges they’re facing.
- Offer feedback and coaching to help employees improve and overcome obstacles.
- Provide recognition and rewards for employees who consistently demonstrate high effort and dedication.
- Use language that focuses on effort rather than results, such as "I appreciate your hard work" or "Your dedication to this project is impressive."
By recognizing and rewarding effort, we can create a culture of continuous improvement and growth. We can motivate our employees to strive for excellence, persist through challenges, and ultimately achieve their goals. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to create an environment that fosters effort and excellence, and by doing so, we can drive long-term success for our employees and our organizations.
So, let’s start recognizing effort and reaping its benefits. Find an opportunity this week to give praise where today’s efforts will lead to the right outcomes, long-term.
