As a business owner, you’re likely familiar with the power of recognition when it comes to motivating your employees. Whether it’s a bonus, an award, or a simple thank you, recognition can go a long way in boosting morale and motivating employees to continue working hard. But while recognition is an important part of building a successful business, it’s not the only reason that people do what they do.
Rachel Carson, an American marine biologist and conservationist, made a significant impact on the world by shedding light on the dangers of pesticide use in her book “Silent Spring.” Despite facing backlash and criticism from the chemical industry, Carson persisted in her efforts to raise awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide use. Her work led to increased regulation and public awareness about the dangers of chemical pollutants.
Similarly, there have been many individuals throughout history who have made significant contributions to the world without seeking recognition or accolades. For example, Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician who discovered the importance of hand washing in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in hospitals. Despite facing ridicule and rejection from his colleagues, Semmelweis continued to advocate for hand washing and eventually revolutionized the way medicine was practiced.
In small businesses, it’s important to create a culture where hard work and dedication are recognized and appreciated, but where the focus is on creating a positive impact in the world. By encouraging employees to focus on the bigger picture and providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth, you can create a team of people who are not only motivated to succeed, but also motivated to make a positive impact on the world.
As George S. Patton once said, “The soldier is the army. No army is better than its soldiers. The soldier is also a citizen… Without the citizen’s spirit, the army is but a brute force.” Similarly, in small businesses, it’s important to cultivate a sense of citizenship among employees. This means encouraging them to not only be hardworking and dedicated, but also to be invested in making a positive impact on the world. By fostering this sense of citizenship, you can create a team of employees who are not only successful, but also fulfilled and motivated by the positive impact they’re making in the world.
However, it’s important to watch out for employees who are only fixated on being recognized, even for small achievements. While it’s natural to want recognition for your hard work, constantly seeking praise can be a sign of a deeper issue, such as insecurity or a lack of self-confidence. It’s important to provide support and encouragement for these employees, but also to help them understand that creating a positive impact in the world is a significant reason to do what you do.
In addition to fostering a sense of citizenship among employees, it’s also important to create a culture of continuous learning and growth. This means providing opportunities for employees to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and pursue their passions both inside and outside of work. By investing in your employees in this way, you can create a team of people who are not only motivated to succeed, but also motivated to make a positive impact in the world through their work.
While recognition is an important part of building a successful business, it’s not the only reason that people do what they do. By creating a culture of citizenship, continuous learning, and personal and professional growth, you can create a team of employees who are not only successful, but also motivated to make a positive impact in the world.
