“There are two things that people want more than sex and money: Recognition and Praise.” So said Mary Kay Ash, multi-millionaire businesswoman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, renown for lavish employee recognition programs.
I know this statement is true from my experience early in my career and later as a people leader.
Many years ago, although it was a cold day in winter, I had a warm and fuzzy feeling. The CEO of the company where I worked pulled me aside during his annual Christmas meet and greet employee meeting, looked me straight in the face and said, “Thank you so much for all the great work you do for us, Camille. We really value and appreciate your contribution.”
For a few seconds after he said this, I felt as if I could have given the company back the bonus cheque, I received a week earlier. Personal recognition from the CEO was priceless.
At that time, as a Marketing Assistant, I prepared responses to requests for proposals, and developed finalist presentations. My work was reviewed and approved through a long chain of command.
I felt honored that the CEO had taken the time to find out who were the behind-the-scenes contributors.
His personal statement of appreciation meant more to me than seeing my name among the crowded list on the Recognition Program roster in the quarterly employee bulletin.
The CEO clearly made me feel that the company needed and valued my contribution.
People need to feel that they are contributing to something larger than themselves, and that their contribution really makes a difference.
Years later as a people leader, I made it a point to consistently recognize and thank employees formally and informally for their contribution to the success of our team and the company as a whole.
See the BIG picture. Focus on what’s important.
theBIGpicture Camille 