In
Shine: Using Brain Science to Get the Best from Your People, Dr. Edward Hallowell explains, “recognition leads to moral behavior [because] it connects the person being recognized to the person or group doing the recognizing, leading the person to feel ownership in the group.” The connection “instills a desire to look out for the larger group…[which] can be called moral behavior.”
Dr. Hallowell goes on to provide ten tips for managers to provide recognition (and hence promote ethical behavior). Excerpts from the list (from “Recognition Promotes Moral Behavior through Connection”):
- Recognize effort, not just results. Of course, you want the results, but if you recognize ongoing effort, results will more likely ensue.
- Notice details. Generic acknowledgement pales next to specific recognition.
- Try, as much as possible, to provide recognition in person. Email packs much less of a punch than human moments.
- In meetings – and everywhere – try to make others look good, not bad.
- Acknowledge people’s existence! Try always to say hello, give a nod of the head, a high five, a smile in the passing.
- Tap into the power of positive feedback…