Comments on: Do You Recognize Them? http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/ A weekly stimulant for those who lead Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:57:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 by: Mark John Hunter http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1923 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:57:15 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1923 Recognizing an employee, and employees for their contributions is always a good thing, and ideas and reminders about it are good. The state budget however is punishing to state employees and citizens. There must be a point where the employees feel more and pressure for lack of sufficient funding. The state ought to keep records of increasing or decreasing employee turnover and the reasons that employees stay or leave. Also records of suicides, and mental health problems that employees have should be followed up to see how much the stress of work caused the mental health problems. Seeing people suffer and knowing they will not get the help they need is a terrible form of torture. Mark John Hunter Alpena, Michigan Recognizing an employee, and employees for their contributions is always a good thing, and ideas and reminders about it are good. The state budget however is punishing to state employees and citizens. There must be a point where the employees feel more and pressure for lack of sufficient funding. The state ought to keep records of increasing or decreasing employee turnover and the reasons that employees stay or leave. Also records of suicides, and mental health problems that employees have should be followed up to see how much the stress of work caused the mental health problems. Seeing people suffer and knowing they will not get the help they need is a terrible form of torture.

Mark John Hunter
Alpena, Michigan

]]> by: Anonymous http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1921 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:01:19 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1921 I work for an incentives company that rarely incentivizes its own employees. It's amazing: praise costs absolutely nothing and means so much, at least to me. I can do without gift cards, etc. I thrive on verbal praise. I wish managers weren't so stingy with it. Mine spends his time feeling sorry for himself and his workload, even though he'd rather die than not have "power." He also feels strongly that no one else works as hard as he does so he's very begrudging about recognizing his people. Also, regarding recognition of stay-at-home parents: I have a great example of how to do this. A friend gave his wife a really nice extra gift at the holidays from "the company" (their family) in recognition of all her extraordinary contributions. Even if it was just a certificate I think the gesture and his outlook is priceless. I work for an incentives company that rarely incentivizes its own employees. It’s amazing: praise costs absolutely nothing and means so much, at least to me. I can do without gift cards, etc. I thrive on verbal praise. I wish managers weren’t so stingy with it. Mine spends his time feeling sorry for himself and his workload, even though he’d rather die than not have “power.” He also feels strongly that no one else works as hard as he does so he’s very begrudging about recognizing his people.

Also, regarding recognition of stay-at-home parents: I have a great example of how to do this. A friend gave his wife a really nice extra gift at the holidays from “the company” (their family) in recognition of all her extraordinary contributions. Even if it was just a certificate I think the gesture and his outlook is priceless.

]]> by: Anonymous http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1918 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 12:20:03 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1918 I agree that recognition can be something that is easily overlooked when budgets are tight and minds are distracted with daily tasks. However, in our office the leadership has responded to this issue by creating an employee recognition committee. The committee has then been given the flexibility to create the kind of recognition that it sees fit. As a state agency we have found creative ways for staff to support their own recognition system and at the same time tried to make it fun to "collect" the money needed to run the program. I wanted to recognize and thank our leadership in the Office of Child Support for making this possible, we are lucky have true leaders! I agree that recognition can be something that is easily overlooked when budgets are tight and minds are distracted with daily tasks. However, in our office the leadership has responded to this issue by creating an employee recognition committee. The committee has then been given the flexibility to create the kind of recognition that it sees fit. As a state agency we have found creative ways for staff to support their own recognition system and at the same time tried to make it fun to “collect” the money needed to run the program. I wanted to recognize and thank our leadership in the Office of Child Support for making this possible, we are lucky have true leaders!

]]> by: Steve Jenkins http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1883 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:49:08 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1883 Remember the observation of William James (noted American Author/Psychologist)that the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Appreciation, like leadership is not a "position commodity". Give of yourself to others and you will reap the benefits of being human. Steve Jenkins Leadership Student Remember the observation of William James (noted American Author/Psychologist)that the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.

Appreciation, like leadership is not a “position commodity”. Give of yourself to others and you will reap the benefits of being human.

Steve Jenkins
Leadership Student

]]> by: Anonymous http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1881 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:42:29 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1881 Recognition applies in homes between family members also. So often, the "stay at home" parent is never thanked or appreciated for the most important job in the world - parenthood, be it a mom or a dad. I feel it, or should I say "dont feel it". I left my law practice to raise 3 children and have much gratification within myself for making this choice - but I am never thanked by my spouse. He (she) just assumes that I know I am appreciated. I would like to hear it once in awhile - it would give me so much more energy and a better attitude. So, to all you parents out there, make sure you recognize the other parent for their contributions, be it in the home or outside the home. Healthy communication keeps it all happening. Recognition applies in homes between family members also. So often, the “stay at home” parent is never thanked or appreciated for the most important job in the world - parenthood, be it a mom or a dad. I feel it, or should I say “dont feel it”. I left my law practice to raise 3 children and have much gratification within myself for making this choice - but I am never thanked by my spouse. He (she) just assumes that I know I am appreciated. I would like to hear it once in awhile - it would give me so much more energy and a better attitude. So, to all you parents out there, make sure you recognize the other parent for their contributions, be it in the home or outside the home. Healthy communication keeps it all happening.

]]> by: Tom Nugent http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1875 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:07:32 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1875 Right on, Dan. I use the Leadership Practices Inventory with school administrators and the six questions on Encourage the Heart are a perfect examination of conscience on recognition. It doesn't ask people to rate how good the organization's recognition program is. It asks if the leader praises, expresses confidence, rewards, recognizes, celebrates, appreciates and supports. Organizations have programs. Leaders recognize people, one on one, personally, and at every opportunity. Tom Nugent Grosse Pointe Farms Right on, Dan.
I use the Leadership Practices Inventory with school administrators and the six questions on Encourage the Heart are a perfect examination of conscience on recognition. It doesn’t ask people to rate how good the organization’s recognition program is. It asks if the leader praises, expresses confidence, rewards, recognizes, celebrates, appreciates and supports. Organizations have programs. Leaders recognize people, one on one, personally, and at every opportunity.
Tom Nugent
Grosse Pointe Farms

]]> by: Bill Lavery http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1873 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:29:55 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1873 Straight on. We can and will do what needs to be done. And one of the highest values is respect for others. Acknowledgement is powerful. So here is some acknowledgement of you and your wife. Straight on. We can and will do what needs to be done. And one of the highest values is respect for others. Acknowledgement is powerful. So here is some acknowledgement of you and your wife.

]]> by: Jim Mulhern http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1870 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:51:29 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1870 Recognition doesn't always have to be top-down, either. Recognition of managers by managers is often lacking, because everyone assumes that it is happening, and most often it is not. Recognition is communication of what matters most, and it is acknowledgement, at its most basic. To be effective, it must be Frequent, Specific, and Timely. Disclaimer: I consult on recognition, and Chester Elton, whom Dan references, is a colleague and friend. His wealth of knowledge on this topic is available to all, at no cost, at carrots.com. I try to find at least one person to thank a day. I hope it has impact -- I know it does on me. Recognition doesn’t always have to be top-down, either. Recognition of managers by managers is often lacking, because everyone assumes that it is happening, and most often it is not.
Recognition is communication of what matters most, and it is acknowledgement, at its most basic. To be effective, it must be Frequent, Specific, and Timely.
Disclaimer: I consult on recognition, and Chester Elton, whom Dan references, is a colleague and friend. His wealth of knowledge on this topic is available to all, at no cost, at carrots.com.
I try to find at least one person to thank a day. I hope it has impact — I know it does on me.

]]> by: Rev. James M. Evans, Jr. http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1869 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:46:06 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1869 Dan: Good words, as usual! Several years ago now, early on in my ministry, I learned that giving a verbal pat on the back does indeed go a long way as long as it is done authentically. Being a United Methodist pastor currently serving a financially-struggling congregation, as most are no matter what the denomination, I have often relied on a note of thanks for jobs well done. E-mails are fine in some circumstances, but the note in an addressed and stamped and mailed enveloped is a better thing. At the same time, I have found that a couple of well-placed comments in committee or board meetings expressing my appreciation for efforts put forth are appreciated. I know that I appreciate them when they are directed my way in similar situations. So, pay it forward and just see what happens in the areas of miracle-making. Thanks for your efforts, Dan. Rev. Jim Evans, Jr. Dan: Good words, as usual! Several years ago now, early on in my ministry, I learned that giving a verbal pat on the back does indeed go a long way as long as it is done authentically. Being a United Methodist pastor currently serving a financially-struggling congregation, as most are no matter what the denomination, I have often relied on a note of thanks for jobs well done. E-mails are fine in some circumstances, but the note in an addressed and stamped and mailed enveloped is a better thing. At the same time, I have found that a couple of well-placed comments in committee or board meetings expressing my appreciation for efforts put forth are appreciated. I know that I appreciate them when they are directed my way in similar situations. So, pay it forward and just see what happens in the areas of miracle-making. Thanks for your efforts, Dan. Rev. Jim Evans, Jr.

]]> by: Mary Hall-Thiam http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1868 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:45:45 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1868 This message spoke volumes to me. Your message this morning is empowering--I don't need money or permission to "Recognize" someone-we just need to do it. This message spoke volumes to me. Your message this morning is empowering–I don’t need money or permission to “Recognize” someone-we just need to do it.

]]> by: David Cook http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1867 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:32:27 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1867 My brother was a local union leader. He often said, and I agree “the people I represent will walk through hell barefooted if they think they are appreciated” I have found that to be true so many times. When you ask someone to do something be sincere telling them, that they can do the job very. More often than not they will do better than you expected. My brother was a local union leader. He often said, and I agree “the people I represent will walk through hell barefooted if they think they are appreciated” I have found that to be true so many times. When you ask someone to do something be sincere telling them, that they can do the job very. More often than not they will do better than you expected.

]]> by: Anonymous http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1865 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:26:17 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1865 "Confer status" on someone you want to recognize? How about just giving everyone the respect they deserve and acknowledging their efforts? Include people in meetings with "higher ups" because they know more than you do about something, but not because it "confers status". I suggest that acknowledging status would go a lot further. “Confer status” on someone you want to recognize? How about just giving everyone the respect they deserve and acknowledging their efforts? Include people in meetings with “higher ups” because they know more than you do about something, but not because it “confers status”. I suggest that acknowledging status would go a lot further.

]]> by: Walter Borda http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1864 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:22:55 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/04/do-you-recognize-them/#comment-1864 Dan, You are right on the money, again! In my career with big automotive companies in Michigan, it was always very easy to get lost in the structure and feel that no matter what I did, it did not have much affect on the outcome of the company. Sort of the "Queen Mary" syndrom, where the act of one little shiphand had no impact on the direction of the boat. Thanks for your insight and thoughtfulness, and thank the governor for her courage and leadership. She is the kind of person I would want my daughters to be, if I had any daughters! Walter Borda Founding Member of "Republicans for Granholm" Dan,

You are right on the money, again! In my career with big automotive companies in Michigan, it was always very easy to get lost in the structure and feel that no matter what I did, it did not have much affect on the outcome of the company. Sort of the “Queen Mary” syndrom, where the act of one little shiphand had no impact on the direction of the boat.

Thanks for your insight and thoughtfulness, and thank the governor for her courage and leadership. She is the kind of person I would want my daughters to be, if I had any daughters!

Walter Borda
Founding Member of “Republicans for Granholm”

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