Research consistently indicates that people value genuine and timely recognition for a job well done.
What does good performance look like?
- Achieving agreed goals and objectives with successful outcomes
- Meeting or exceeding agreed standards of performance
- Demonstrating attitudes and behaviours which are valued and encouraged by the University
Give praise
- Give praise in person
- Don't wait: do it straightaway
- Make the praise the sole focus of your conversation
- Be clear about what has impressed you and where you saw it
- Avoid generalised statements as these can sound insincere
- If others share your views, use this to reinforce what you are saying
- Highlight the positive consequences of the performance or behaviour
Other informal recognition
This can be as simple as:
- sharing their achievements with colleagues and/or more senior managers
- a letter recognising and praising someone for their contribution
Gestures like this can be a very powerful form of reward and encouragement.
Teams may also have their own local forms of recognition which reflect their own style and culture: for example, team lunches, celebratory events or away days.
See Also
Theatre Etiquette