Recognition When You Least Expect It
Two decades ago, I won an Employee of the Year award. I was surrounded by high performers, working in an environment where excellence was the norm rather than the exception. I didn't expect formal recognition—the work itself felt rewarding, and the team was extraordinary.
But that award? It still resonates today.
The recognition proved pivotal. It delivered emotional validation and deepened my commitment to my team and the organisation in ways I hadn't anticipated. Looking back, I can trace significant career decisions and personal growth to that moment.
What Made It So Memorable?
The award's impact wasn't about the trophy or the ceremony. It stemmed from the broader workplace environment that made the recognition feel genuine:
- Mutual support among colleagues who genuinely wanted each other to succeed
- Purpose-driven teamwork where everyone understood the mission
- Employee empowerment to experiment, take risks, and lead initiatives
- Swift, collaborative implementation of new ideas
- Leaders who demonstrated both clarity and humility
"Recognition didn't feel like a box-ticking exercise. It was authentic. It meant something."
The culture wasn't perfect—no workplace is. But it was built on shared values that made recognition meaningful. When someone was celebrated, everyone knew it was deserved. When praise was given, it reflected genuine appreciation.
Applauding People, Empowering Performance
Recognition transcends individual impact. It creates ripple effects throughout organisations. The person recognised feels valued. Their colleagues see what good looks like. Leaders reinforce the behaviours that matter. And slowly, recognition becomes part of how things work.
When employees feel valued and supported, performance naturally follows. Not because they're chasing the next award, but because they're invested in something bigger than themselves.
"Recognition isn't fluff—it's fuel."
Twenty years on, I still remember how that recognition made me feel. Not because of what I received, but because of what it represented: a workplace that genuinely valued its people.
That's the power of authentic recognition. And that's what we're building at V.A.L.U—tools that help organisations create those meaningful moments, every single day.