Recognition
Leadership starts with understanding who you are, is proven by what you do, and is sustained by how people experience you.
Self-awareness is at the core of leadership. It is the ability to understand yourself clearly and honestly. Over the years, I have completed many assessments to discover more about myself. Some have been psychological in nature, while others have simply been useful tools that helped me understand myself and others better. One of my favourite tools is the BANK Values Assessment, which explores how people are motivated by different values. (Click on the link above to discover your top values.)
Another popular framework, often used to help couples understand each other, is Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages. Although it is not a psychological assessment, it does offer insight into how people feel valued. In Chapman’s framework, my top love language is Words of Affirmation. This means that, in relationships, I tend to value encouragement, feedback, and affirmation more strongly than physical touch, gifts, acts of service, or quality time.
In my leadership journey, I have always been encouraged when a colleague, client, or manager affirmed something I had done or said. While there is no definitive published data confirming the most common love language globally, a 2010 study of 10 000 people conducted by Gary Chapman found that Words of Affirmation was one of the most common love languages, representing between 15% and 19% of respondents.
Words of Affirmation link closely to the concept of recognition. Depending on the survey referenced, between one in five and three in five employees say recognition influences their decision to stay with their current employer. Gallup and Workhuman’s longitudinal research went even further, showing that well-recognised employees are 45% less likely to leave over a two-year period.
How often have you, or your work, been genuinely recognised?
My experience is that the answer is often: seldom. Perhaps people are so focused on their own pressures and priorities that they fail to notice the contribution of others. When I started my company, recognition was so important to me that I made it one of my organisational values.
The role of a leader is to influence people toward a meaningful purpose. This is done through trust, consistent behaviour, and clear plans of action. Great leaders are able to recognise emerging leaders, praise them sincerely, and draw the best out of them. When leaders notice key skills, abilities, and knowledge in those around them, they boost morale and inspire growth.
There are several practical ways to practise recognition:
- Recognise specific behaviour
Instead of saying, “Good job,” be specific:
“I noticed how calmly you handled that difficult client. You listened carefully, stayed professional, and protected the relationship.” - Link recognition to impact
People want to know that their effort mattered. You could say:
“Your quick reaction kept the client’s trust and avoided a bigger problem.” - Recognise effort, not only results
Results matter, but effort, courage, learning, persistence, and teamwork also deserve recognition. A team member may not always win the deal, solve the problem, or reach the target, but they may still show discipline, growth, creativity, or resilience. Recognise these traits. - Make it timely
Recognition loses power when it comes too late. A short message on the same day can be more meaningful than a formal award three months later. - Match the person’s preference
Not everyone wants to be recognised in the same way. Some appreciate public praise, others prefer a private thank-you, and some may value written words.
This is where Words of Affirmation becomes helpful. For some people, sincere words carry deep meaning. For others, recognition may need to be expressed through action.
The more we get to know more about and understand ourselves and others the faster we will increase trust. Trust will positively impact effectiveness in the workplace as well as in social environments. Seek first to understand others and you are well on your way to becoming a better leader.
Have a great week.
Paul Tanton
Leadership Entrepreneur and Coach
