In New Zealand there’s not perhaps as much of a culture of praising as there is in countries like the US. We tend to be quieter …sometimes that’s a good thing, but at other times it’s important to recognise and reward extraordinary achievement.
In many organisations recognition and financial reward are tied together. An employee does something above and beyond and receives a paid-for lunch; a team achieves a goal and is rewarded with a party. These rewards aren’t always appropriate however, and at times miss the point of recognition.
People are motivated by more than money and are often looking for positive feedback, recognition that they put in extra effort, or the acknowledgement of leaders and peers.
Financial reward is a great thing, but it’s not the equivalent of recognition. One way to recognise excellence is through awards. In New Zealand, The David Awards recognise the unsung heroes in home and small businesses throughout the country. They acknowledge people whose tenacity, courage and ingenuity place them firmly at the forefront of entrepreneurship in this country.
In the same way in the biblical account that David, an ordinary, unassuming young man, conquered the giant Goliath using only his shrewdness and a simple slingshot, these entrepreneurial Davids often punch well above their weight. The aim of The David Awards is to acknowledge the “Davids” who contribute to their communities, their families and the Kiwi business landscape and who are seldom recognised for it.
Any effective approach to employee recognition – be it through awards or other methods – involves these three key points:
1. Praise in the moment and in context – Recognition should be timely. It’s important to catch people doing exemplary work and acknowledge their efforts. In terms of BNI, acknowledge an excellent 60 second presentation, or praise a person who’s trying a new initiative in their business. Thanking people for a referral is a no brainer, but put some thought into how you will give this praise.
2. Praise to an appropriate volume/scale – Once again random praise isn’t helpful. Recognition should match effort and results, or it loses meaning. Give compliments and commendations relative to the achievements and business gained.
3. Praise in an authentic way – Mean it when you give praise. Look to others at BNI who pay recognition and do this with authenticity. Take examples of this and learn from them. You will be far more effective in BNI and in your own business.
And what about The David Awards? The entry process at The David Awards closes on 15 August at 5pm so there’s plenty of time to enter. Every entry goes in the draw for $3000 worth of advertising, and there are prizes for finalists and winners. BNI is supporting The David Awards as we think they’re a great chance to do something that we don’t do enough of in New Zealand – give recognition for excellence in small businesses and pay recognition.
