Here’s a leadership skill you may not often think about: catching people doing things right. It might be a rep stepping up to help a teammate, someone handling a difficult client with composure or even a tiny process improvement that saves a few minutes a day. Recognizing these moments is a small act, but it creates an environment where people know their work matters.
John Spence, a globally recognized thought leader, says many leaders focus on mistakes, shortfalls and missed targets. However, when they make a habit of looking for what’s going well, they can reinforce behaviors that lead to long-term success. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Spence’s practical guidance for making recognition a strategic habit.
Set the intention. Spence says that leaders should decide that part of their role is to actively look for moments worth recognizing. This mental shift alone changes how people observe their teams.
Create a daily practice. If you don’t regularly acknowledge your team members, challenge yourself to recognize them every day. Spence says it could be as simple as sending a quick message, giving a shout-out in a team meeting or stopping by someone’s desk and sharing a kind word.
Be specific and sincere. The key is to tie the kind word and recognition to a specific action or outcome. Vague praise doesn’t impact people. He says the more concrete the recognition, the more meaningful it is.
Go public when appropriate. Do you have a team meeting coming up? Consider recognizing your staff members in front of the sales team or your entire promo company. Spence says recognition is often more impactful when shared in front of peers. Just be sure to match the recognition to the individual’s comfort level, he says.
Model it from the top. When senior leaders consistently practice recognition, Spence says it signals that the culture values people and their contributions. This cascades through the organization and becomes a cultural norm.
Recognition is your competitive edge. Don’t underestimate how much a simple word of appreciation can mean to someone. A genuine thank-you can boost confidence, strengthen loyalty and spark momentum that spreads across your team. Most people aren’t looking for a parade — they just want to know someone notices and appreciates their work.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: John Spence is a globally recognized thought leader in business excellence. He’s a consultant and coach and has shared his knowledge with more than 90 universities, including Stanford and MIT.
