subject: Recognition Improves The Bottom Line [print this page] Our accomplishments are due to our inherent nature to impress ourselves. On the side note, we could always use the spice of a little outside praise to help motivate us to do a little more and go that extra mile. Sure, most might say that being told theyre doing a good job isnt important, but its not true at all. In fact, deep down, everybody loves to hear about how good a job they did, especially when it isnt coming from their own mouth.
For those in the business analyst world, its easy to notice the importance of praising associates on a job well-done. Work ethics are higher, positive attitudes which make for more productive achievements and overall, the business environment becomes a place where employees want to be.
Theres no time like the present
Dont hesitate to recognize accomplishments. If you dont say anything for weeks, then suddenly pop in with a few good words, the efforts arent rewarded to their fullest potential because like anything else, its in the past now and probably forgotten or dismissed even by them. However, it is always still better to give praise late than not at all. With that in mind, you should always be ready to tell your associates how valuable they are to your business, even if it is something spontaneous that you notice right on the spot.
More importantly, seek out chances to offer praise. Find a convenient time when they arent stressed, busy or focused on their work (not during a break period) to commend them on their work.
One of the best methods of practice is to show them appreciation publically. This is known as PDoR = Public Display of Recognition. Dont be hesitant about openly telling someone that their accomplishments are impressive. It increases their self-esteem and even gives others a reason to push just a little bit harder to get the same recognition. Of course, you should never publicly praise an individual when it was a team effort that achieved the task. Teamwork demands team recognition, and the last thing you want is to divide the team spirit.
Its all in the details
Dont just say, great job, be specific about why they are getting praised. Go into detail about what you liked about their accomplishment, such as the fact that it was handled with finesse. Dont stop there, go into detail and include who else is impressed by their efforts.
Let them know that their positive work efforts will get them ahead in the business. No one wants to be stagnant in their position with no hope of improving their current situation.
Give praise on what aspect means most to the team. For a business analyst, this is often a topic that should be well thought out before approaching someone with the type of praise that will produce the desired increase in morale. This is often a recognition of a specific skill set that an individual or team seems to reflect. They might be better at designing a product than other tasks, but what they are good at should always be brought to their attention. This helps to develop self-motivation by building on a skill-set they already possess and reinforcing what they can do well.
When someone accomplishes tasks that arent theirs to do such as covering for a sick associate or taking on an extra task that needs to be done; regardless of whether or not it was a good job, something like that should always be praised. Going the extra mile is an achievement on its own, and is exactly the kind of work ethic that is needed for your business to succeed. If it goes without praise, it wont go on for much longer.
As an auxiliary project, consider the creation of a storyboard of achievements. This public display shouldnt just be up to you to fill out; it should be added onto by other employees as well. Encouraging everyone to post positive remarks about fellow coworkers and even incorporating positive remarks from customers are a great addition to a business.
In addition to that, when you get letters, emails, or even notes from others that commend an employee on their work, pass it on. Dont just read it and file it away.
The employee relationship is a crucial part of any business that wants to remain competitive in the job market. Employees are like customers and will go where they receive the best treatment. Make your workplace an environment that not only demands satisfaction but also provides the necessary rewards to keep your employees pursuing a career associated with you.
