Recognition is hard for managers - and for HR (I'm no exception...)

As a manager, and SVP of HR, I'm supposed to have all the answers when it comes to recognition - and lead the charge for our managers and company overall. I have created programs, championed them in the workplace, and pushed managers to recognize their employees. After all, I can't even recall how many times I've uttered the old adage "People don't leave companies, they leave managers." And, one of Gallup's many analyses found that "only one in three workers in the U.S. strongly agree that they received recognition or praise for doing good work in the past seven days." Gallup also found that the most meaningful recognition came from a manager or company leader - and that it meant the most if it was honest and authentic.

I think I've been intermittently okay at recognizing - particularly at events - but I'm not consistent. And shame on me! After more than twenty years in human resources, I should know better. And following a couple of recent events, I've vowed to change that.

Two weeks ago, I had a chance to meet Dr. Bob Nelson, the "guru of Thank You," who had a great impact on me earlier in my career. I attended two of his sessions at a conference, and got a great refresher on the power of recognition. I'm now the proud owner of his latest two books and I am planning on reading them - and putting some of his fantastic ideas to work for my company, and for me.

Last week, after a full week out of the office due to travel, and before heading on the road the next day, I walked in to the flowers, note and cookies above. These came from our amazing HR Coordinator, Theresa Couture, who is part of my team. The recognition was personal (I love flowers - and chocolate chip cookies!), and the note was heartfelt. I hadn't done anything more than my job, but to know what I do is appreciated (we don't always feel that way in HR), meant more to me than I can express.

So, I'm going to start the recognition with a very public THANK YOU to Dr. Bob and Theresa! You've helped me look at recognition in a new way. And now it's time for me to practice what I preach..........