FEBRUARY 21

“If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.”

—Margaret Thatcher, former British prime minister

HAVE YOU GOT IT FIGURED OUT?

Giving praise without a purpose is like a boat with holes in it. It just doesn’t float.

Recognition is not about being nice; it’s about results. So, before you make a single award presentation, sit down and figure out what you want to accomplish. Don’t hold back; imagine your ideal future. Then consider these specifics:

• What do our clients value?

• What does the company value?

• What do our employees value?

• What is our basic purpose?

• What is our competitive situation?

• What will make us more productive, more valuable to our company, more efficient in the purpose of our vision?

Once you’ve got a plan, put it into action through recognition.