When we take a moment to reflect on the great effort, work, and results that our colleagues deliver, we often realize we don’t say thank you enough. The power of recognition is huge.

Here are a few ideas – for everybody, not just managers – on how to recognize the hard work and dedication of co-workers:

• Say it!: Walk over to a colleagues desk and say “Great job on that project”. Often, a simple acknowledgment is powerful enough to put a smile on someones face and make their day. Simple, but powerful.
• Celebrate success: When your team completes a tough project, celebrate. Take them out for lunch, have fun, and relax before you get down to the grind again.
• Be timely: this applies to recognition as well as it does to feedback. We’re big fans of giving people feedback as close to the event as possible, and recognition works the same way. Keep a bunch of $20 movie theater gift certificates on hand and pass them out whenever someone does something over and above the call.
  
• Make it visible: At a meeting, share how well you thought an individual or a team performed.

What do you do to recognize the accomplishments of your team? Do you hand out little gifts? Have an employee of the month plaque? Engage in a formal recognition program?