Explicit recognition: what it is and what it means

Explicit recognition is the manager's act that specifically names a behavior or a result of a team member, close to the moment when it happened, in a way that is proportionate to the context — private or public, depending on the person's sensitivity. The distinction between specific and generic recognition is fundamental: generic recognition is perceived as an empty formula and does not fuel motivation. Recognition delayed by weeks loses its connection with the behavior and becomes retrospective; poorly calibrated recognition becomes embarrassment.

Distinctive: specifically names a behavior
Distinctive: proportionate to the context
Essential: close to the moment when it happened
Essential: generic recognition is perceived as an empty formula
Constant: private or public, depending on the person's sensitivity

Glossary

Explicit recognition

The manager's act of specifically naming a team member's behavior or result, close to the moment it happened and calibrated to the context (private or public).