Super Bowls always send me looking for sports quotes. Two teams at the top of their game — only one walks away as champion. But as tough as losing feels, both teams are winners. They got there because they showed up, worked hard, and played with pride.
For 25 years, I managed Employee of the Month events. Multiple nominees, one winner. And I often worried that the nominees who didn’t win — the vast majority — might leave feeling like they lost. But being nominated is proof of outstanding skill and attitude. That should never be diminished.
Today, recognition has evolved far beyond annual ceremonies or big monetary awards. The best companies now use continuous, personalized “micro‑recognition” to reward both performance and attitude. Here are some of the most effective approaches:
· Peer‑to‑Peer Recognition Platforms: Instant kudos from colleagues
· Spot Bonuses: Small, immediate rewards managers can give on the spot
· Public Shout‑Outs: Celebrating wins in front of the team
· Personalized Rewards: Tailored to what each employee values
· Time Off or Flex Scheduling: A powerful non‑monetary motivator
· Professional Development: Investing in potential, not just output
· Values‑Aligned Recognition: Rewarding how people work, not just what they produce
· Stretch Assignments: Letting high‑performers lead or shadow executives
· Premium Swag or Behind‑the‑Scenes Access: Fun, memorable, pride‑building
· Charitable Contributions: Supporting causes employees care about
My favorite team wasn’t in yesterday’s game, but both teams played with pride — the same pride employees feel when they’re at their best.
Let’s make sure we recognize people every time they do great work, coach them when they need a boost, and let everyone know their contributions matter today.
Vince Lombardi (1913 – 1970): American professional football coach, considered by many to be among the greatest coaches and leaders in American sports.[1]
[1] He is best known as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960s, where he led the team to three straight and five total NFL Championships in seven years, in addition to winning the first two Super Bowls at the conclusion of the 1966 and 1967 NFL seasons.
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