Recognition is the ninth of the 9 Right Choices and a critical tool for building and maintaining team momentum.
In Right-Minded Teamwork (RMT), recognition is defined not by external “trinkets” like shirts and prizes, but by giving and receiving genuine appreciation for a job well done. It is the fuel that makes the Classroom a place where people want to stay and learn.
The Power of Authentic Appreciation
Authentic recognition plays a vital role in business success because it keeps the team’s spirit ignited. When spirits are high, concentration is focused, and the team can tap into an incredible reservoir of innovation and commitment.
- It’s Motivational: Recognition provides evidence that others believe in a teammate’s legitimate efforts, motivating them to continue.
- It Strengthens Loyalty: People who receive genuine appreciation stay and contribute, making recognition a key element in retaining top talent.
- Increases Safety & Trust: Genuine appreciation bonds teammates and builds feelings of trust and gratitude, anchoring the team in the Unified Circle of Right-Minded Thinking.
The Danger of “Whipping” (The Ego Path)
The RMT philosophy is the direct opposite of managing through fear or pressure. Consider the racehorse analogy:
If you whip a horse after he has already given you everything he has, he will drop back to 80% or less. He learns that the whip is coming regardless of effort, so he stops giving his best.
- The Battleground Result: “Whipped” people leave teams, often taking the most talented contributors with them.
- Reduced Effort: Teammates working in an environment of fear become discouraged, decrease their effort, and eventually retreat into the Ego’s defensive posture.
Leader & Teammate Action
If recognition is not a common practice in the wider organization, RMT encourages teams to create their own “Recognition Culture” through a Work Agreement:
- Facilitate a Discussion: Determine what specific team and individual recognition looks like for your group.
- Define Legitimate Criteria: List the “how and when” of giving rewards so it remains authentic and fair.
- Start Small: Begin with a basic plan, guided by the motto, “Start small and fine-tune over time.”
By intentionally establishing a culture of mutual acknowledgment, the team attracts others who want to be part of a successful, high-spirited environment.
Action
In the book Right-Minded Teamwork: 9 Right ChoicesRight-Minded Teamwork ® (RMT) is achieved when team leaders and teammates consistently choose to integrate the essence of the nine Right-Minded choices into their work. These choices are self-evident, self-validating, and universal best practices that address the root of team dysfunction and promote collaboration and team effectiveness. They guide you to shift from Ego-driven thinking toward Reason and a unified,... More for Building a Team That Works as One, you will learn that Recognition is one of the 9 Right Choices.
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