A Great Suggestion for Positive Recognition

Kate Rocha
Apr 17
2 min read

Updated: Apr 24

One of the most powerful leadership tools is positive recognition—and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort to be effective.

A client of mine once scored in the bottom 10% of his company on giving recognition. Just one year later, he was in the top 10%. I asked him what changed. His answer was a simple but powerful habit that had nothing to do with me—and everything to do with consistency.

The Technique

Make a list
- Include the most important people in your life:
  - Friends
  - Family
  - Direct reports
  - Peers
  - Customers
  - Anyone whose effort or presence matters to you
Twice a week (e.g., Wednesday and Friday)
- Review the list.
- Ask: “Did anyone on this list do something I could recognize?”
If yes, recognize them
- Send a quick thank-you via email, voicemail, or text.
- Keep it simple, fast, and sincere.
- Don’t wait—timing matters more than length.
If no one stands out, don’t fake it
- Avoid false recognition.
- Wait until someone genuinely earns it and check back again in two days.

Why It Works

Positive – It builds people up.
Simple – No need for complex systems.
Focused – You only give meaningful, real recognition.
Fast – Takes minutes, not hours.

Frequency matters more than duration. Regular, sincere recognition—close to when the good work happens—has a stronger impact than occasional long messages.

Your Homework Assignment

Make your recognition list today.
Choose two days a week to review it and send recognition.
Keep the messages short and sincere.
Get started now. Don’t wait for the perfect time—start the habit today.

With this habit, you can dramatically improve how appreciated the people around you feel—at home and at work.omething you can do now.