Get the Recognition You Deserve!

Imagine this: You stay late at work, consistently win accounts that your co-workers only dream of, never miss deadlines, and never show up late and to top it all off, you finish even your worst projects successfully and ahead of schedule.

You'd think that by doing all of this, you would, at least once in a while, get thanks and recognition from management? Well you wish. Unfortunately, your boss is busy dealing with a "problem" member of staff and, as a result, she forgets to show any gratitude to her stars. That includes you.Have you ever been in a situation like this?

Working hard and being ignored by your boss can be rough. That's why you sometimes have to take matters into your own hands. Boasting of your own accomplishments can feel awkward. But look at it this way: If your boss doesn't notice your hard work, and you don't point it out to him or her, then what happens when you ask for a raise? How will he or she know you're ready for that promotion, or that you're ideal for that huge-but-fascinating project?

Things don't have to be like that. I'll show you how to get the recognition you deserve without looking like you're seeking attention. Believe it or not, there is a way to do this.

Step One: Decide What You WantThere are many types of recognition, so decide what type you want.Companies often thank staff with awards, certificates, or bonuses. However, people often just want simple praise. We want to know that our work is meaningful and that we've made a difference.

An "Employee of the Month" certificate, or a cold, hard check/cheque doesn't always communicate this. So, what exactly are you looking for? It's important to really define this, because everyone wants something different. Do you want a simple "thank you"? An award ceremony in your honor? A raise?

Step Two: Define Why You Deserve PraiseDon't walk into your boss's office with no advance preparation to say what a great job you've been doing. Why? Firstly, it would seem odd. Then, if you're a bit nervous, you might forget something important that you've done.

You might forget the help a co-worker gave you, and leaving that person out could speak poorly of your character. Be sure to make yourself look good, but also share credit where credit is due. Make a list of the accomplishments you'd like to discuss. Beside each one, list the value that accomplishment has brought to the company.

Step Three: Praise Yourself.This is where you've got to get creative. You know your boss and your business environment, so think of ways to let your boss know how hard you've been working.If you tell your boss directly, then do it carefully and tactfully in a private area. You know that list of accomplishments you just created? Read that over a few times before your meeting.

As you talk, emphasize how you had help and how your co-workers should be rewarded for their hard work as well. If this feels a little too much like bragging, then think of ways to let your boss know what you're doing without being so obvious or bold. For example, send your boss an email every time you win a new account, or when you're finally able to please your company's worst customer.

These little "progress reports" keep your actions in the open in a delicate, not-too-obvious way. You can also praise others in front of your boss. By bringing their hard work and accomplishments to your boss's attention, she may also notice the great job that you've been doing.

Keep it genuine and honest, however. If you appear insincere, then people may notice, and you may look bad. If you have something good to say, then say it, but don't speak up if you don't really mean it.

Apply This to Your Life:

Ready to put this into action? Here are some easy ways to use this tool in your life right now:

Use our strategies to win the praise you deserve.

Begin by recognizing the accomplishments of others. If you notice co-workers doing something great, send them emails praising their efforts, and send copies to your boss. This can show your boss that you're leading by example.

Don't forget that your boss might need some praise and recognition too. Send him or her an email when she's made a difference in your day, and consider copying that email to his or her boss.

If you're a team leader, keep your eyes open for activities and co-workers that deserve praise. Whenever someone does something that's earned a heartfelt "thanks," send that person an email and copy it to your boss.

These are just a few ways you can "raise the bar" in your workplace to get other people thinking about praise and recognition. When you recognize the efforts of your team, you should steadily earn your own praise as well.

Thanks. Mind Tools.