R is for Recognition

If you follow me on twitter, you may have noticed this post. 

I realized that day, that my company did not have a solid form or recognition for employees. Heck none of the companies I am intertwined with have one in place. My sister company has their WOW program but it is not linked to any of the employees or made noticeable to any of the employees. So no one knows that they have been recognized, unless the client copies them in. 
A lot of companies, especially a small one like mine, may not understand the importance of employee recognition. Even as bloggers, we can consider ourselves small business owners. After all, we do strive to produce a product for people to enjoy. Our employees are our sponsors. So today I wanted to give you a few tips on how to give meaningful recognition to our employees.  Be Consistent!  I think this is the hardest one to follow sometimes. We get carried away in life and often don't remember to be consistent with our recognition. Instead we remember in one day and then post like crazy. Although  this may not be apparently harmful, it is not helpful either. In our work, if we are constantly recognizing in one brief moment, the recognition no longer holds value. But if you are recognizing the talent of your employees in a fair and consistent manner, it shows them that you are recognizing their value as an asset to the team. Take the time read and recognize. 
Be Fair!  I know that there is a statement that runs around saying that life isn't fair. But recognition is fair, and it should be given in a fair manner. As a blogger you would not want to focus all of your attention on one of your sponsors. Unless you only have one, then by all means brag. You want to be fair in the recognition that you are giving. In a business setting, this means giving praise when it is deserved, and remembering all of the team not just one individual. After all if you do something for one, it automatically gives people the right to assume that you will do it for all. 
Be Clear!  Be clear in what you are recognizing them for. If you just say "nice job Jessica" they are not going to understand what you are praising them for? What did they do well?! Instead be clear about what you are impressed with and are recognizing, example being "Jessica, I found that the formatting on the Purchase order report you sent out was very helpful and easy to read. Thank you for taking the time to make it perfect." The second statement may be lengthy, but you are letting the employee know what you liked about the report. Being this clear also helps with any coaching that you may need to do in the future. For blogging purposes, being clear about what you loved about their post is the best. Don't just say " I love this post gurl!". Why did you love that post? Was it funny? Did you relate? Or are you just saying it because you need to comment on their posts? Give thought behind what you are writing or saying and it will show to your employee. 
Now a lot of the advice given above really goes toward a manager to an employee. But don't forget to recognize your co workers as well! This helps to build team moral and a sense of community.  Give shout outs, or a little thank you note to let them know that you noticed their hard work. Recognition can be given in many different forms. Even recognizing that they are having a hard day, and offering encouraging words can boost someones mood and outlook. 
What are your tips to recognizing members of your team or blogging community?  _______________________________________________________________________ R drink of the Day. 
Adult Root-beer Float

2 Oz of Pinnacle Whipped Vodka

Scoop of Vanilla Ice cream 

Root Beer

(you can also replace the vodka with Jagermeister if you prefer the flavor)