We're stingy with our words.
Not the critical ones. Those flow freely. We notice what's wrong, could be better, or what missed the mark. But compliments? Recognition? Those get stuck somewhere between our thoughts and our mouths.
I watched this play out recently. Someone presented an idea that took real courage to share. The room went quiet. Then came the "but what about..." and "have you considered..." responses. Valid concerns, sure. But not one person acknowledged the bravery it took to put that idea forward.
Here's what I've learned: being generous with recognition costs nothing, yet it carries a significant impact.
Research by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman, published in Harvard Business Review, confirms that "every measure of morale, productivity, performance, customer satisfaction, and employee retention soars when managers regularly provide recognition." Yet we still hold back.
When you notice good work, say it. When someone takes a risk, acknowledge it. If a colleague appears differently, could you let them know you've noticed? These moments matter more than we think.
The person on the receiving end? They're human. They doubt themselves and wonder if their contribution matters.
Your words can shift that entire internal narrative. This isn't about empty praise or participation trophies. It's about seeing clearly, acknowledging the effort and growth, and then speaking up about it.
People perform better when they know their work is valued. Teams take bigger risks when efforts are acknowledged. Progress accelerates when we celebrate what's working.
What would change in your workplace if you became more generous with recognition?
