While formal monthly, quarterly and yearly recognition presentations are crucial, it is the day-to-day acknowledgments that can motivate any person, any team and any organization to reach their full potential.

Here are some important tips to keep
in mind when recognizing your people:

Link achievement to organizational goals-Reinforcement leads to repeat behavior, so be sure you're reinforcing actions you want repeated.

Fit the award to the accomplishment-Use a variety of recognition techniques and awards that are equal to the accomplishment.

Familiarize yourself with the people receiving recognition-Learn about the people you're recognizing and the details about what they've done.

Publicize their achievements-No matter how big or how small, make some noise when sharing worker's accomplishments. It is a celebration and should be treated as such.

Be spontaneous and timely-It doesn't take significant planning or a huge budget to give verbal praise or pass along an appreciative note. And don't wait.when you see someone going above and beyond, recognize it immediately.

Be genuine-Your sincerity will shine through. Tell them why they've earned the award and sincerely thank them for their efforts.

It doesn't have to cost a lot to recognize your people in a meaningful way, either. Here are some low-cost, high-impact ways you can say "Great job!"

• Catch them in the act! Whether it is at their desk, in a meeting or in an informal discussion, when you catch somebody going above and beyond, hand out some kind of instant award-a medallion, a sticker or a gift card, for instance. You can even set up a redemption system where they can collect these pieces and "earn" bigger prizes!
• Put it in writing. So often, employees cite "not being recognized" as a reason for dissatisfaction. A hand-written notecard is a powerful yet cost-effective way to tell your people you value their contributions. Take time out once a week to write two or three cards. You'll be amazed at the results.
• Give them bragging rights. When a customer or another employee takes time to commend one of your people-shout about it! Create a brag board where letters and commendations can be posted. Hand out forms coworkers can fill out to commend one another's performance. Show them you're proud of their accomplishments!
• Travel to new heights. Select an award that can be used as a traveling award-the more fun, the better! A unique object, such as a small statuette, one of our positive pals, or a product your own company manufactures, can be used. Then, once a month, present it to a person or team that has demonstrated a positive attitude or great teamwork. Treat them all to a small gift or a nice meal and allow them to pick the next recipients. Get everyone involved in the process and really build excitement!

These are just a few ideas - have fun with your recognition
efforts and help your people (and your organization) succeed!