Great post! Thanks for sharing your insight. Everything we do is recognized. We may not receive instant human feedback but the grand sum of our productive acts will eventually lead us to our goals, if we make them definite enough and believe that they will occur. The universe is always taking a tally and will eventually return to us whatever we focus on, whether it’s human recognition, wealth, or any goal.

Ryan

Once she lost her job, she immediately began putting out feelers and getting very positive reactions. When, lo and behold, the Federal Department of Labor came looking for her because of a presentation she’d made to them as part of her VOLUNTEER activities.

They offered her a full time job – she did not approach them and they were not aware she was out of work. She did not want to go back to full time employment before trying out the consulting bit, since she’d received such positive responses, so she offered to work for them 3 days a week. They accepted that arrangement and will pay her about the same as she was making working full time at her previous job.

Sometimes, you may have to seek feedback and sometimes it comes from unexpected directions at unexpected times. I think that if you are not receiving it at your work then, rather than regressing to a minimum level of quality, you may want to seek a different employer. Even in these uneasy economic times, it probably doesn’t hurt to keep your eyes open for other options.

Over the years, I have been in workplaces where reconition has been enacted well – but mostly very poorly, like the $20 gift voucher a friend received for 14yrs of quality service… He resigned.

The tough work for managers lies in understanding the individual and deciphering the work culture to best meet that need. A number of simple questions can act as pointers – eg. Does collective recognition mean more than individual to that person? Are they a private person or someone who prefers a public fanfare? Do they respect the person giving the accolade?

Recognition is most valued when it is delivered in a way that is meaningful to the recipient.

At 33, I’m debt free except a mortgage that will be paid off in less than 2 years. I’ve got solar panels that will cut my energy costs by more than half. I’ve got cash on hand to cover several years of living expenses. I know how to cook, garden, can, and sew. Most importantly, I have peace of mind and I don’t care if people think I’m weird. I’d hate to be under a pile of debt in this economic climate.

Who’s cool now?

We get what we seek out, in many instances, so we may as well seek out what’s good for us.

I agree with those who echo the sentiment that recognizing oneself is of utmost importance. As long as you understand and appreciate the contributions you are making, then you should feel good at the end of the day. Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves of how we are making a difference.

As for recognition for my lifestyle choices (purchases, home, etc) – I don’t need it. The personal gratification I feel in making sound choices is plenty for me.

Another bonus is that I resisted buying stuff to make up to it (thanks TSD)

Great post

I alway liked Dave Ramsey’s feelings on buying something for recognition. He often wonders out loud on his show why we buy new, fancy cars to impress stramgers at a red light.

Its sad to see so many people literally enslaved to their jobs, work, bills and money. They think money is like the most valuable thing on the planet.
Wrong, money is a piece of paper that you can wipe your ass with, literally. You can’t eat it or drink it, just exchange it for hard goods.