Everyday Recognition
The most meaningful recognition does not happen at a single annual event, it happens on an ongoing basis, within departments, day to day. Recognizing student colleagues is an integral part of the Berea College community, reflected in the Workplace Expectation to "Celebrate Work Well Done." To guide departments in this effort, the Work College Program offers the following principles:
- Recognition should be a sincere acknowledgment and affirmation of work well done.
- It should be offered in a timely manner and in a way that is meaningful to the recipient.
- The form recognition takes is left to each department's discretion, but should not include additional monetary compensation or excessive rewards.
- Recognition activities must conform to the College's Policy for Use of College Funds.
- Students must not be offered rewards simply to meet basic position requirements.
A place to start: pick one small recognition habit, a weekly shout-out, a thank-you note, a moment at your team meeting, and commit to it for the rest of the term.
Common Concerns, and Ways to Address Them
"I'm unsure how to provide recognition effectively."
Talk with colleagues about recognition strategies, and ask for feedback on your own approach so you can learn from past efforts. Resource guides for supervisors are available to borrow from the Work College Program Office.
"I don't feel recognition is an important part of my role."
Recognition is directly tied to the Workplace Expectation to Celebrate Work Well Done. It isn't optional, it's an integral part of daily work, both within a department and as part of the broader campus community.
"I don't have time to recognize my students."
Some of the most effective forms of recognition, personal or written praise, public recognition, a quick positive email, take very little time. A simple habit, such as listing your students on your weekly to-do list and checking off each name once you've "caught them doing something right," can make recognition simple and intentional.
"I'm afraid I might leave someone out."
Double-check who contributed to a project before recognizing a team publicly, and if someone deserving is accidentally left out, a simple apology and follow-up recognition go a long way.
Additional Tips for Supervisors
- Ask your students what kind of recognition means most to them, rather than assuming you already know.
- Recognize that one type of recognition doesn't fit everyone; update and refresh your approach regularly rather than relying on the same few traditional activities.
- Lead by example. When supervisors model recognition, it sets the tone for the whole department.
- Use everyday communication as an opportunity to recognize students, such as a shared bulletin board, a few minutes during a team meeting, or a quick thank-you note.
- Be specific with praise: name exactly what was done well and the positive effect it had.
- Consider a thank-you box where students can drop notes recognizing each other's good work, to be read aloud at team meetings.
- Nominate students for awards, and consider offering interesting assignments, conference attendance, or other leadership opportunities as a form of recognition.