INTRO

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level and create a legacy that inspires? My friend Drew Williams and I are creating something special.

In our first cohort together, we are focused on helping you create a legacy by building leaders on your team.

Topics will include:

• Creating change with leaders “stuck in their ways”

• A deep dive on delegation

• Developing growth mindsets on your team

• Building your organizations leadership pipeline

Fill out the interest form, no commitment required, and you’ll be eligible for a $75 discount if you decide to sign up.

Let’s make this a big deal.

Now, let’s dive into the lens…

Sponsored by Candor

As a leader, you know that strong relationships among teammates are the foundation of a thriving company culture. But in today's fast-paced work environment, it can be challenging for new hires and existing employees to truly get to know one another. That's where Candor comes in – the culture platform that helps teams build genuine connections, both inside and outside of work.

"Using Candor profiles has been incredibly helpful. When I first joined Common Group, I felt as if I only had insight into who a few people at the company were. Now, new hires are able to see all of their teammates instantly, while having increased visibility to who they are outside of work and what they stand for within this philanthropic sector. It's been a huge catalyst for teammates to build genuine relationships with one another." – Peter Catchings, Common Group

With Candor, teams can easily foster meaningful interactions among teammates through fun, lightweight missions:

• Give and receive shoutouts to recognize great work

• Check in with the team on both personal and professional levels

• Provide and request feedback to support growth

• Schedule and track 1-on-1 meetings to stay connected

• Run polls to gather insights and make decisions together

Candor's human-first approach sets it apart from traditional HR tools. Plus, with pricing starting at just $5 per teammate per month.

You can experience the Candor difference for themselves with a no-risk, 30-day free trial.

Make positive work vibes a regular thing with fun, light-weight team missions. 

LEADER’S LENS

Yes, Recognition Definitely Matters

As a leader, you've got the power to make your team's success story more fire than a Kendrick Lamar verse. The secret weapon? Recognition. 

I probably don’t need to tell you, but incase your boss asks, here is why recognition matters:

• Boosts motivation and engagement

• Reinforces desired behaviors and values

• Enhances team morale and job satisfaction

• Improves employee retention and loyalty

• Drives higher performance and productivity

Plus there is scientific evidence to back up its importance. Studies have consistently shown that recognition activates the reward centers in our brains, releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. This positive reinforcement encourages employees to repeat the behaviors that led to the recognition, creating a virtuous cycle of high performance and job satisfaction.

Moreover, a survey by Gallup found that employees who receive regular recognition are:

• 73% less likely to "always" or "very often" feel burned out

• 56% less likely to be looking or watching for job opportunities

• 44% more likely to be "thriving" in their life overall

• 5x as likely to feel connected to their culture

Making Recognition a Habit

To reap the benefits of recognition, it's essential to make it a consistent part of your leadership practice. Just like with anything, you will only see the impacts if you do it consistently. And you will only learn to do it consistently when you take the time to make it a HABIT.

Here are some tips to help you build a recognition habit:

• Set a goal to recognize at least one team member each day

• Tie recognition to specific behaviors, values, or achievements

• Use a variety of recognition methods (e.g., verbal praise, written notes, public shoutouts)

• Encourage peer-to-peer recognition within your team

• Celebrate milestones and successes together as a team

It is great to have recognition programs, but the most meaningful recognition is unexpected, specific, and genuine. 

🕶 Remember: The things that are recognized get repeated. When you see your team being great, 

Find the right tool for the job

While in-person recognition is always impactful, technology can help you scale your recognition efforts and ensure no one gets overlooked. Platforms like Candor offer easy ways to give and receive shoutouts, making recognition a regular part of your team's workflow. By integrating recognition into your team's daily interactions, you create a culture where appreciation and positive feedback are the norm.

(Yes they sponsored this send, but it’s an incredible platform. My friend Hebba uses it for her Safe Spaces community and raves about it.)

Everything is easier when you find the right tool for the job.

Best Practices for Effective Recognition

Nobody ever quit a job because they felt too appreciated. And it showing recognition is new for you, it might feel unnatural and uncomfortable at first.

Lean into this discomfort. Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. 

These tips will help. 

Be specific and timely: When acknowledging achievements or behaviors, provide clear examples of what the employee did well and why it matters. Recognition is most effective when it's given in the moment or directly after you notice someone doing a good job. This urgency reinforces the connection between the action and the praise.

Align recognition with your team's values and goals: Recognize actions that represent your organization's core values or contribute to achieving team goals. This helps employees understand what behaviors are valued and encourages them to continue demonstrating those qualities.

Recognize both big and small achievements: While major milestones deserve celebration, don't overlook the smaller, day-to-day contributions that keep your team running smoothly. Acknowledging these efforts shows that every role and task is valuable. Recognizing small wins is the easiest way to build momentum.

Tailor recognition to individual preferences: Get to know your team members and understand how they prefer to be recognized. Some may appreciate public praise during a team meeting, while others prefer a heartfelt email or a private conversation. If you don’t know how someone likes to be recognized, ASK THEM!

What About in a Hybrid World?

In today's hybrid and remote work environments, recognition plays a crucial role in maintaining team cohesion and engagement. And it is much harder to make it happen organically, which means you have to be intentional. 

When employees are physically disconnected from their colleagues and managers, they may feel isolated or unsure if their efforts are valued. Regular recognition can help bridge this gap, reminding team members that their contributions are seen and appreciated, regardless of where they work.

To build a culture of recognition in a hybrid setting, consider implementing virtual recognition rituals:

Start team meetings with shoutouts: Dedicate time at the beginning of each meeting for team members to acknowledge and celebrate each other's successes and efforts. This sets a positive tone and ensures recognition remains a priority.

Send recognition via messaging platforms or email: Use digital communication tools to send timely, specific recognition to team members. A quick message of thanks or a virtual high-five can go a long way in making employees feel valued.

Create a dedicated channel for sharing wins and praise: Establish a specific channel or forum where team members can highlight achievements, share positive feedback, and celebrate milestones together. This creates a centralized space for recognition and fosters a sense of community.

By prioritizing recognition in your hybrid or remote team, you cultivate a sense of belonging and connection that transcends physical distance. Just as the characters in Mad Men formed deep bonds and support systems despite working in different departments and offices, your team can stay connected and engaged through consistent, meaningful recognition.

So remember…

Recognition is a powerful tool for driving performance, engagement, and positive culture within your team. By making recognition a habit, leveraging technology, and following best practices, you can unlock the full potential of your team and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Remember, recognition is not just a nice-to-have; it's a fundamental part of effective leadership. Start putting these strategies into practice today and watch your team thrive!

Next week we’re breaking down one of my favorite topics, how to lead impactful One-on-Ones…

Ready for help with your team’s leadership development? Use this link to schedule time for us to chat.

 The Podcast

The new podcast is live!

I’m partnering with my friend Cassidy each week to discuss leadership lessons from our favorite movies.

I’m excited for this new direction. The conversations have been a lot of fun and I’m loving having a co-pilot there to bounce ideas back and forth with.

Give it a listen here.