A lot of us say “well done” and think that is enough.
I have done it myself. A quick “thanks”, a passing “good job”, a vague “I’m proud of you”. It’s kind, of course. But often too blurred to really stay with someone.
Whether you are a parent, a partner, a friend or a manager, recognition lands better when it is specific and genuine. Not “you’re brilliant”, but “I noticed how patient you were when things got difficult” or “thank you for staying calm and sorting that out”.
That is what people remember. Not just the praise, but the fact that someone was paying attention.
And perhaps that is the real point. Recognition is not just about making people feel good for a moment. It helps them see which behaviours matter and what they are capable of repeating.
So here is a simple challenge for this week.
Catch someone doing something worth recognising.
Name the behaviour.
Say why it mattered.
Not “nice work”.
Try “I noticed what you did, and it made a difference”.
A small moment. A few thoughtful words. Often, that is enough.
My best wishes, Paul
