Recognition vs Appreciation
Appreciation is about people. Recognition is about results
Recognition in the Workplace:
Recognition is the acknowledgment we receive for our accomplishments and contributions. It’s the awards, the shout-outs in team meetings, and the congratulatory emails. It’s the pat on the back for a job well done, the acknowledgment of our hard work and dedication.
In fact, recognition is often associated with a monetary reward - the bonus, the pay rise. It’s a way of affirming our efforts and contributions, encouraging us to maintain or elevate our performance levels.
Appreciation is about people. Recognition is about results
It’s a catalyst, propelling us forward, making us feel seen and valued for our achievements. However, it’s also worth reflecting on whether this form of acknowledgment is fostering a genuine sense of fulfilment or merely a fleeting sense of achievement.
Appreciation in the Workplace:
Appreciation, on the other hand, delves deeper. It’s about valuing individuals for who they are, acknowledging their unique qualities, and expressing gratitude for their presence. It’s the genuine thank-you’s, the heartfelt words of gratitude, and the acknowledgment of a person’s inherent worth.
It’s about valuing individuals for who they are, acknowledging their unique qualities, and expressing gratitude for their presence.
Appreciation plays a pivotal role in nurturing a positive and inclusive workplace culture. It fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect, enhancing individual well-being. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected for their individuality, not just their contributions. It’s worth pondering whether we are doing enough to make our colleagues feel truly appreciated and whether our expressions of appreciation are sincere and heartfelt.
Appreciation is about who they are, not what they do
Recognition vs. Appreciation
Balancing recognition and appreciation is fundamental in creating a compassionate workspace. It’s not merely about acknowledging achievements; it’s about valuing the human effort behind them. When goals are unmet, recognition may diminish and arguable so it should. We all want ‘a players’ rather than ‘b players’ in our teams - we want to push ourselves and others to their limit. The key however, is to remember that the inherent effort and struggle still warrant appreciation.
Reflection:
Balance is crucial— a lesson I learned the hard way during my initial stint as a manager. Eleanor, a team member, once pointed out that my messages as a manager were mixed— one moment, I would praise her work, and the next, I would comment on her lack of effort.
Reflecting on this, I realise that I didn’t grasp the nuanced difference between recognition and appreciation. Even if someone doesn’t meet a deadline or achieve the desired results, appreciation for them is still important. Appreciation is about valuing individuals for who they are, while recognition is an acknowledgment of what they’ve accomplished. You can still appreciate someone even if they didn’t hit the deadline or produce the results.
Appreciation in action
Let’s take an example of a team member who has been working diligently on a project but hasn’t met the desired goals. Recognition may be absent due to the unmet goals, but appreciation can still be present. A simple gesture like, “I see the effort and dedication you are putting into this project, and I want you to know it doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for your hard work,” can make a world of difference. It’s about valuing the journey, the struggle, and the dedication, even when the destination hasn’t been reached.
In another instance, consider a colleague who is going through a personal hardship. They may not have achieved any professional milestones during this period, but a heartfelt message like, “I appreciate your strength and resilience during this tough time. If there’s anything you need, please know I’m here for you,” can convey a deep sense of appreciation for the individual’s presence and character.
The Essence of Human Connection:
It’s about perceiving and valuing individuals for who they truly are, creating a profound emotional resonance that nurtures a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
A touch of kindness, a gesture of love, has never done any harm
Reflection:
Are we appreciating the unseen efforts, the unspoken struggles, and the uncelebrated milestones?
Are we making our colleagues feel valued for their essence, their uniqueness, and their presence?
Let us delve deeper into the realm of appreciation, to touch hearts, and to create an environment where every individual feels deeply valued and sincerely appreciated for who they are, beyond their accomplishments.
Today i have learned a very valuable lesson indeed. I always thought these two words slightly gives the same impression but now i understand how appreciation and recognition works and thw difference they bring in a workspace. I think i need to practice this at my work space with co-workers.