Publicize Someone Else's Success

This can particularly difficult for all of us. We definitely think about other people and in fact probably wish that we could be more like someone else we know. But let's stand back and realize that there is a very good possibility that each of us has done something that is pretty great, but don't know if anyone appreciates it because no one said anything.

We are societally told that we shoudl do the right thing or good things because its right, not for the recognition. However, doesn't the same principle that we use for our children apply for adults? We positively reinforce kind and generous behavior in our children to help them continue to choose that behavior over less desirable behaviors.

At what point do we stop needing this positive reinforcement? I know I haven't, does that make me self centered or narsisitic? How do you know that you ARE doing something that is significant and matters if someone doesn't acknowledge it? Professionally, how do you foster continual positivie behavior in adults if those adults never get a reinforcement that what they are doing is what you are looking for?

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but it is my opinion that all it really takes is genuine gratitude and recognition of people's work and you will get so much more engagement and improved productivity. People intrinsicly need to know they are seen and valued. Simply being grateful and going one more step and telling someone else about that great idea someone had will organically build that person up and as a lucky biproduct you can feel good when you see that person stand a little straighter, take a little more pride in their work, maybe pay it forward and publicize someone else's great idea.