Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 9.6
RECOGNIZE GOOD WORK
Employees should not hear from supervisors only when something goes wrong.
Recognition helps reinforce behaviors such as:
- reliability
- customer care
- initiative
- honesty
- teamwork
- improvement
- good judgment
- accountability
Recognition can be:
- private
- public where appropriate
- verbal
- written
- formal
- informal
It does not always require money.
Poor
Supervisor notices good work but says nothing because:
“They are being paid. That is enough.”
Better
“You handled that complaint professionally, documented it clearly and made the handover easy for the next shift. Thank you.”
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1 — OFFICE
Employee warns early that a deadline is at risk.
Supervisor recognizes the responsible communication.
EXAMPLE 2 — RETAIL
Cashier identifies an overpayment and reports it immediately.
Supervisor acknowledges the integrity shown.
EXAMPLE 3 — SCHOOL
Employee handles a difficult parent interaction calmly and follows the escalation process correctly.
Supervisor recognizes the professionalism.
EXAMPLE 4 — HOTEL
New employee makes noticeable improvement after coaching.
Supervisor acknowledges the progress.
Remember
Recognition tells people:
This behavior matters.
Workplace action
Recognize one specific behavior—not simply the person.
Quick Check
Which recognition is strongest?