Babies cry for it. Soldiers die for it.
It's one of the things often forgotten about. We are quick to criticise and slow to praise - especially when under pressure, under resourced and underpaid! Yet it's one of the most engaging things a manager can do for people.
A simple thank you can sometimes be enough and is often appreciated. But beware - just ordering a few pizzas when people have pulled out all the stops to do a job in difficult circumstances can be met with cynicism by the team.
What really makes the difference is taking the time to say a considered, thoughtful and specific thank you to the person involved or providing a special acknowledgment that means something to the people involved.
What about a dinner at a smart restaurant for a wife and husband? Or a pair of football tickets for a real fan? Or a family ticket to a theme park for people with young children?
Just making a small effort to show you have thought about the token makes a difference. Having a conversation, remembering people's names, their concerns and hobbies and showing real and genuine interest in the individual makes a difference.
But you also have to observe who deserves recognition.
Catching people doing something right.
Very simple things make a difference - why do we find them so difficult to do? Just taking extra time to show you care can make a real difference.
So we wish Karensa lots of luck as she starts on another new rather time consuming project and thank her for all her help delivering a successful communication review for Standard Life.
Melanie Quilter who has in depth experience in this specialist Local Government field is advising on the communication strategy and planning for both partners. It's a demanding project with lots of trips to Grimsby and special thanks go to Melanie for her invaluable help in this project, and to Mark Holmes and Leanne Lamerton at Balfour Beatty Workplace for their support and commitment.
Christina said, 'The George Cross serves as a reminder of endurance and sacrifice of all our servicemen and women out there on the ground now. In heralding and awarding Oz, one soldier, I hope it serves to raise the status of each and every one of them.'
