Recognition Tip

Effective Recognition Training & Consulting

Recognition Tip

April

Butter Recognition

While checking into a hotel last month, I noticed that the front desk associate was wearing a special name tag that read, "Exceptional Guest Service Winner." Of course, I congratulated her. She smiled and said thank you. I mentioned that I was a recognition consultant in town on business. After pausing, she spoke softly,

"You know, at first I was so excited when I learned that I won. I have been working really hard and was happy that somebody appreciated my work. Everyone on our staff was there, including the GM who presented my award. I felt proud. Five minutes later, my supervisor pulled me aside at the party and told me that I needed to work on checking guests in faster. I couldn't believe it! I was being criticized on what I just received an award for. The recognition felt very insincere."

This is an unfortunate example of "Butter Recognition." Have you ever experienced it? Hopefully not. Basically the message the award recipient hears is...

Nice job, but - ah just want to point out that you need to improve on a few things.

It destroys the sincerity of the recognition and the winner's morale. The reason I named my business Effective Recognition Consulting is that I learned long ago there is a difference between recognition and effective recognition.

If you have a question that you would like to see answered in a monthly Recognition Tip, feel free to email ERC.