The power of recognition

As the Olympic games finished yesterday, I was looking to the Paralympic athletes taking the stage and reflecting about the journey of them and all other athletes that reach their pinnacle.

Their limitation are no excuses to get to the top. That makes me reflect how focus, discipline, determination and dream makes them reach the games. My reflection today is about a journey not the destination.

The journey of years, a long term view

The journey of an Olympic and Paralympic athlete is a tale of extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. It begins in the quiet moments, long before the bright lights of the stadiums or the roar of the crowds.

It's a journey measured not just in miles run, weights lifted, or routines perfected, but in years of preparation, sacrifice, and learning that shape both the athlete and the person within.

?From a young age, the athlete is driven by a dream—an ambition that often seems out of reach, yet close enough to fuel every early morning training session and every late-night drill.

This dream is not just of winning a medal, but of reaching the pinnacle of their sport, of standing on the Olympic stage, where the world watches in awe.

The road to the Olympics is long and arduous, marked by countless hours in the gym, on the track, or in the pool. It's a path lined with challenges—physical, mental, and emotional.

Injuries are a constant threat, as are the doubts that creep in during moments of fatigue or failure. Yet, the true mark of an Olympic athlete is their resilience. Each setback becomes a lesson, each failure a stepping stone towards improvement.

Coaches, teammates, and family members play crucial roles in this journey, offering support, guidance, and sometimes tough love. The athlete learns the value of discipline, the importance of rest and recovery, and the necessity of mental toughness.

They come to understand that success in the Olympics is not just about physical mastery, but about the strength of character—about the ability to push beyond limits, to remain focused on the goal even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Years of preparation culminate in the Olympic Games—a stage that only the best reach. For some, the moment of competition is the fulfilment of a lifetime of effort. Every stride, every stroke, every move is a testament to the years of sacrifice, to the hours spent perfecting the smallest of details.

The thrill of competition, the adrenaline rush as they step into the arena, is a feeling like no other. It’s the realisation of a dream, the manifestation of their hard work.

Winning a medal is the ultimate reward, a tangible symbol of success. The joy of standing on the podium, of hearing their national anthem play, and of feeling the weight of the medal around their neck is indescribable.

It's a moment of pure recognition—not just by the world, but of the athlete recognising their own worth, their own capabilities. It's a moment when the years of struggle, the sacrifices made, and the pain endured all make sense. Recognition is the word that encapsulates this experience—the acknowledgment of their journey, of their growth, and of their place among the world’s best.

Is not all about medals

However, not every Olympic story ends with a medal. For those who do not win, the journey is no less significant. The experience of competing on the world’s biggest stage, of representing their country, and of testing their limits in the most intense of environments is itself a victory.

They may not return home with a medal, but they return with something equally valuable—recognition of their own strength, of the progress they’ve made, and of the impact they’ve had on others. Some will beat their own records, others will set the national new levels.?

For every Olympic athlete, the Games are a moment of truth, where years of preparation are distilled into a few minutes or even seconds. It’s a time when they come face to face with their dreams, when they put everything on the line in pursuit of glory.

Whether they win a medal or not, they walk away with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that they have achieved something remarkable. They became Olympians.

In the end, the journey of an Olympic athlete is about more than just the pursuit of a medal. It’s about the pursuit of recognition—of their own abilities, of their place in the world, and of the power of human potential.

It’s about pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and inspiring others to dream big. And when the Games are over, whether they leave with gold, silver, bronze, or simply the memories of the experience, they carry with them the knowledge that they have been part of something truly special.

Their journey is one of the highest forms of recognition—acknowledging that they dared to strive for greatness and, in doing so, have achieved it.

The power of recognition

Recognition in the workplace is more than just a pat on the back or a token of appreciation—it's a powerful force that can drive employee engagement, productivity, and overall organisational success.

Companies are increasingly recognising the critical role that acknowledgment and appreciation play in cultivating a positive and high-performing workplace culture.

Gallup, a global leader in employee engagement and performance management, has emphasised the importance of recognition through its well-known Q12 survey, which has become a cornerstone for understanding and improving employee engagement.

The Gallup Q12 survey is a set of twelve questions designed to measure the most important elements of employee engagement. Among these questions, one stands out in highlighting the power of recognition:

"In the last seven days, have you received recognition or praise for doing good work?"

This question is not just a fleeting query—it's a direct probe into the heart of employee motivation and satisfaction.

?Gallup's research has shown that employees who feel adequately recognised are more likely to be engaged, loyal, and productive. Recognition satisfies a fundamental human need—the need to be seen, appreciated, and valued for one's contributions.

When employees feel that their efforts are acknowledged, it fosters a sense of belonging and purpose within the organization. This, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and a stronger commitment to the company's goals and values.

Recognition in the workplace is not just about the occasional award or bonus. It’s about creating a culture where appreciation is embedded into the fabric of everyday interactions.

According to Gallup, recognition is most effective when it is frequent, timely, and specific. Employees who receive regular feedback and praise are more likely to feel confident in their roles and motivated to continue performing at their best.

Moreover, when recognition is specific—highlighting particular achievements or behaviours—it reinforces the actions that the company values, thereby aligning individual efforts with organisational objectives.

The impact of recognition extends beyond the individual to influence the entire workplace culture. A culture of recognition fosters collaboration, innovation, and a positive atmosphere where employees are encouraged to go above and beyond.

When recognition is part of the company’s DNA, it becomes a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent, as it signals to potential hires that the company values and invests in its people.

This is because engaged employees—those who feel recognised and appreciated—are more likely to contribute to the company's success. They are more innovative, more willing to take on challenges, and more likely to build strong relationships with colleagues and customers alike.

Moreover, recognition has a ripple effect within organisations. When leaders recognise employees, it sets a precedent for others to do the same, creating a cascading effect of positivity and encouragement throughout the company.

This not only enhances team cohesion but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

However, the absence of recognition can have detrimental effects. Employees who feel undervalued or ignored are more likely to disengage, leading to lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and increased turnover.

Gallup's research highlights that disengaged employees cost companies billions of dollars each year in lost productivity. Therefore, recognizing employees is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a business imperative.

Which game do you want to play?

There were 10.000 top athletes at Olympic Games. The question to you. How many employees do you want to have in your company journey, being recognised and achieving their pinnacle.

A leader is a person that have the power to influence others to dream. Many coaches of olympic athletes were achievers or Olympians in the past. Now they exist to serve the new generation to reach their dreams.

You can do the same. Became a leader that makes others dream about their high potential.

It’s up to you to lead your game.