Today I witnessed recognition at its finest.  Most times when “everyone gets a trophy” I am one of the first to roll my eyes.  This was different.  Why?  Because it was done uniquely for each person.  This was not a manager in a company, but a 1st grade teacher.  She had a certificate for each student.  No student got the same certificate.  She commented on each student and why she thought they were special and what they brought to the class.

This was my son’s class (I don’t typically hang out in 1st grade classrooms).   I was enamored with what I saw.   I could see each student filling with joy and excitement as their name was read and they got to go to the front of the class to get their certificate.  It was meaningful to each student because the teacher was recognizing them for their accomplishment.   It was meaningful because it was personalized.  It was meaningful because she cared.  It was meaningful because she showed them they matter.

This had a profound impact on me.  Some of my feeling is personal as it was for my son, but I will say it was more than that.  It got me thinking about how we recognize a job well done in the workplace.  It is a rare manager that takes the time to publicly recognize an employee for the great work they do.  Even more rare is a public recognition for a specific accomplishment.  Today was not about recognizing mountains, but recognizing the specialness of the individual.  I was humbled by the gesture.  Well done Ms Brooks, well done.

My hope is that I learn from this and my staff benefit from it:)