Our Great City

Article Submitted by:  Laura Steves, PhD. PsyD

There is nothing more frustrating than watching someone else get credit for work we've done. It's hard when someone meddles in our efforts, micro-managing what we've already done well enough on our own, but then when they get the accolades, it's just enough to send us over the edge.

When surveyed, people say that money is the greatest motivator in their career, but in truth, we generally respond more favorably to recognition for a job well done. It should come as no surprise by now that we humans don't know what's best for us! After all, if we did, why would things like hot dogs even exist?

We've all heard the old expression that it's better to give than to receive, but we generally think of this only in the context of gifts. However, it applies at least as well to words of encouragement for co-workers, employees and when going out of our way to recognize someone else.

There's also a subtle transaction that goes along with this sort of thinking. The people who generally receive the most personal letters in the mail are those who write them to others. Those who set a standard for recognizing great work can also expect that such a value will be applied to them too.

It's not that we're nice to others, simply for the sake of getting something in return. However, in making the effort to praise others, we make ourselves more aware of their merits. We also ingratiate ourselves to them, assuring that person that we value them. Everyone benefits from a relatively small effort to point out when something is going right.

It's a free, but priceless gift.