Recognition.

Yesterday marked the end of the Fall Little League season. Max’s team was undefeated. He should have been ecstatic. But he cried all the way home. Why you ask?

He felt unappreciated.

The coach gives the game ball to the player who contributed the most to the team. Or, perhaps, to the player who showed initiative or improved greatly. But Max didn’t get a ball all season. (Neither did a few of the other boys.) The coach’s son, who I must say is a very good ballplayer, got at least three.

Tomorrow night is the end of season party at Pizza Hut. Every player will get a ball and a trophy. Neither has the meaning of a game ball. And these kids (who get prizes way too often, if you ask me) know the difference.

But the point of this post is this: we need to recognize our employees, our co-workers, our clients for their strong points. As we go along. Having a year-end recognition won’t cut it. Yes, it’s nice. But it’s not real. It’s contrived. It’s a group activity. What makes people feel appreciated is being appreciated.

Would it hurt to drop a note to someone telling him that the proposal was really perfect? Or that your assistant went beyond your expectations and made you look great? Tell her. Take her to lunch. Give her the game ball.

We all want that, right?