Words for Effective Recognition

Posted by Curt Denevan:

Words have a powerful impact on a recognition presentation. Using the wrong words can often have devastating effects. Using the best words can have a tremendous positive influence. Practice is the best teacher, but perhaps here we can share some ideas.

5 Most Important Words to Always Use:

Results (result, resulting or similar) – “Your persistence in completing this project on time resulted in an immediate re-order by the customer!”  You are demonstrating the correlation between action and the impact of that action. By showing this in a social recognition, peers get boosted by this and learn that their efforts also can be appreciated.

Thanks (thank you) – Too many times a simple recognition moment fails to say “thank you”. It’s pretty basic, but the point is to let the recipient know that you are indebted to them for what they did. “Thank you for your commitment to the new policy, it made a difference here.”

You – Recognition experts describe this as THE most important word to use in a presentation. It makes the recognition personal and relevant, it gets people’s attention. It also forces you to be specific about what you are talking about. “You really did a fantastic job with the Johnson presentation”.

Their Name – Scientific studies demonstrate that when you hear your name, your brain gets focused and attentive. Try to use their name at least 3 times in a recognition presentation. Even better when the name is in the middle of the sentence, as it is less likely to be glossed over.  “The entire management team noticed what you did Sherry, and we are all very appreciative”.

Because – This is one of those words that will have an important point following it, which gives it greater credibility and makes it more powerful. “Tina, because  of the time you spent straightening out that situation, we were able to keep production going and didn’t lose any time”.

What are some other impact words?

Words for Effort
Overcome, succeed, excel, achieve, grasp, generate, develop, design, productive, accomplish, volunteer, produce, discipline, create, resolve, execution, triumph, victory, complete, masterpiece, conquest, initiative, outcome

Words for Quality
Organize, improve, excellence, exceptional, striking, aware, brilliant, elegant, eloquent, intuitive, strong, outstanding, merit, talent, distinction

Words for Attitude
Thoughtful, responsible, creative, energetic, enthusiastic, resourceful, motivated, dedicated, innovative, reliable, vibrant, wise, flexible, versatile, consistent, considerate, commitment, confidence, imagination, passion, tenacity

Words for Leadership
Capable, oversight, vision, navigate, command, conduct, cutting-edge, star, champion, vanguard, role-model, respect, direction, insight, inspiring, admired, courageous, engaging, enterprising, invincible, masterful

Words for Teamwork
Help, support, benefit, advocate, save, encourage, revive, dependable, reliable, prepared, cooperation, advice, fortify, sponsor

These were presented by Darcy Jacobson at Globoforce. For more ideas, go to the RCB Awards Recognition Thesaurus and also check out the Award Text Suggestions - Plaque Wording - Crystal inscriptions.

Cash for Recognition

Posted by Curt Denevan: We've all heard the stories of a Sales Manager that doesn't believe in awards, that he just hands out cash as recognition for achievement. While there is considerable evidence to debunk this line of thinking, the below clip from Jerry Seinfeld says it better than any article out of the Harvard Business Review.