How to recognize great work when budgets are tight

Ever wonder why team engagement feels like it’s dwindling, even when you’re doing everything you think is right?

Well, one major reason could be the lack of recognition.

It might sound simple or even trivial, making it a practice to REGULARLY recognize the great work of your team members is a game-changer. In this week’s episode of Managing Made Simple, we dive deep into the importance of recognition and how it can transform your team’s performance.

👉 Listen & Subscribe on  Apple (#126) // Spotify(#126) 👈

When motivation is low, there’s a good chance your team members aren’t feeling like they’re doing a good job – or that their hard work matters to you.

Here’s the big message: Recognition isn’t just about saying “great job” or “thanks,” it’s about being specific and genuine. And guess what? It doesn’t always have to come with a financial incentive, especially during tight economic times.

Here are three key takeaways from Episode 126:

1. Specificity is Key

When you recognize someone, be detailed. Instead of saying, “Great job,” say, “Great job keeping the team calm and focused during that tough meeting. It helped us finalize the next steps smoothly.” Specificity shows that you genuinely noticed and appreciated their unique contribution.

2. Understand Appreciation Languages

It’s not just about words. Some people value verbal praise, others love team activities. Know what fuels your team members and recognize them in ways that matter to them. It can be as simple as acknowledging their efforts towards a future promotion, or collectively working towards an experience like an all-team trip. 

3. Create Consistent Habits

Recognition shouldn’t be a one-off. Make it a weekly practice. Use frameworks like Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) to structure your recognition. This regular validation can significantly boost motivation and team morale.

If you want your team to innovate and think bigger, consistent recognition can fuel that fire. Don’t underestimate its power. Incorporate these practices and watch your team’s engagement skyrocket.

And remember, if you know you could use some support to build these habits or tackle other management challenges, I’m here for you. Send me a DM or email me at hello@liagarvin.com and let’s chat about whatever is holding your team back from reaching its full potential.