Well-Deserved Recognition

The three qualities work must have in order to be satisfying are autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and reward.  It’s not just how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy.  Doing work that is meaningful and appreciated is worth more than money. 

Back in the early days of the Beatles before they were the Beatles they played in strip clubs in Hamburg Germany eight hours a night, seven days a week.  Most musicians only play one hour, two at the most a night.  They needed stamina and an enormous amount of energy to keep at it.   They didn’t recoil at the offer they jumped at it.   They put their heart and soul into these gigs and the crowds really began to love it.  They were recognized for their new unique sound. 

Everyone has an innate need for recognition in their jobs.  Giving recognition is the best way to build high-energy efforts and excellence.   Unfortunately many managers fail to grasp this important motivational truth.  Doing unrecognized and unrewarded work is like a prison sentence because it doesn’t have any meaning. 

David Novak CEO of Yum Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell) believes that bosses should be more like coaches encouraging those they supervise.  Novak’s strategy is to err on the side of more.  He recognizes more that he should.  He says, “why be selfish with the one thing that matters most to people.”

Novak says people leave companies for two reasons: one they don’t feel appreciated and two they don’t like their boss.   These two reasons can also explain why people become unsatisfied in relationships, why people fail to work harder, or even why some children might lose heart in school.  

Appreciation is something we all need more of. 

I know a lack of appreciation can make me question the motives of even those closest to me.   Without appreciation it’s easy to believe that someone is taking advantage of you, even when it’s not true.

Intrinsic motivation comes from a sense of satisfaction and worth.  The best way to motivate anyone is to tell them how important they are.  It’s one simple truth none of us should ignore.