Make Their Day Blog

I am often asked, “How do you get managers to use employee recognition programs?” Here is an excerpt from The Secret to Recognition Programs That Work that answers that question:

You need managers to own your recognition programs. They should participate in peer programs, celebrate organizational awards, and actively participate in any manager programs. This requires commitment.

Let’s look at ways you can encourage manager commitment:

• Show the benefits of creating an environment where people feel valued (What’s in it for the organization - improved productivity, safety, customer service, etc and what the manager will gain - staff with better attitudes, more self-directed, looking out for the best interests of the team)
• Provide statistics on how your organization is doing (think scorecard - - it’s motivating to track improvement!)
• Get executives to demonstrate commitment by providing resources and being the face of the program (think of it as trickle down enthusiasm)
• Have senior management set measurable goals for managers (it’s great to see the organization’s scorecard, even better to see your own - staff satisfaction scores are a good choice).
• Get senior management to recognize based on these identified metrics (managers tend to be under-recognized and respond well to positive reinforcement).
• Solicit manager ideas. Address their concerns about design and implementation - but don’t let them make excuses for not participating.
• Have managers share their success stories (these are really energizing and demonstrate viability in your organization).
• Provide training. Managers who develop good habits are more likely to remain committed to ongoing recognition.
• Make it easy to do. (this doesn’t mean do it for them, but don’t create obstacles either!)

One last thought: Send them the weekly tips you receive from your subscription* or encourage them to subscribe. Let me encourage them to take action!

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Let me hear from you. What works best in your organization for developing and maintaining manager commitment?

Copyright 2010 Cindy Ventrice