Most recognition doesn’t fall short because it happens too little. It falls short because it’s too vague.

“Great job.”

“Thanks for all your hard work.”

Those comments are well-intentioned, but they rarely tell people what they should keep doing.

Recognition becomes motivating when it answers a different question:
👉What, specifically, did I do that mattered?

Instead of praising the outcome, recognize the behavior…

“I noticed how you challenged the proposal without making anyone defensive. That helped the team reach a better decision.”

“I appreciated how you stayed focused on the customer’s needs when the discussion started drifting.”

Specific recognition does three things:
⭐It reinforces the behaviors you want repeated.
⭐It teaches others what excellence looks like.
⭐It helps people see the unique value they bring.

Bonus: It makes you feel great!

The goal isn’t simply to make people feel appreciated. It’s to help them understand what they’re becoming known for.