Recognizing Employees’ Work: It’s Critical

A recent letter to the editor of my local paper caught my eye because it related to the death of a young Marine in Afghanistan who was from the small town where I grew up. I was already aware of his death, and though I didn’t know him or his family, I remembered. In a small, rural community, when something out of the ordinary happens to a citizen, whether good or tragic, whether you know the person or not, there’s special joy in a fellow citizen’s success and genuine grief when tragedy strikes.

The letter to the editor made me focus on the need to recognize what’s important. The writer says: “Most people do not know that we have lost another young, beautiful dedicated Marine this week, who gave his life fighting for our country. He did not have to go. He did not make millions for what he did. He went because he loved his country and wanted to serve . . . . The media prefer to talk about Michael Jackson, more than a month after his death.”

In our workplaces, employees doing worthwhile work deserve recognition for it. Frequently, however, we focus on our Michael Jacksons. It takes nothing away from Jackson’s talent to focus on a young Marine from a small town. It takes nothing away from our employee stars to recognize the regular employees who do their regular jobs and sometimes do something extraordinary. Recognition of employees is critical.

Yesterday, the Marine was welcomed home by crowds that lined the streets as a procession made its way from a small airport to and around the town square and then to the funeral home where his body will lie in state until he’s buried tomorrow. He’ll be buried in the same cemetery where my parents are buried. I’ll visit his grave from time to time and thank him.

1. 

   Nae says:

   August 7, 2009 at 10:31 am

   Good blog today, John. Thank you for reminding everyone the importance of our priorities, and remembering those who serve our country.
2. 

   ACU Frank says:

   August 7, 2009 at 12:24 pm

   It’s also a good reminder that the decisions we make affect real people and their families in very real ways.

   People aren’t pieces on a board, and starting a new life isn’t like starting a new game.

   Whether it’s the death of a Marine for dubious purposes, or the layoff of a thousand workers to trim 20 cents from the cost of a box of widgets, our decisions have lasting impact.
3. 

   John Phillips says:

   August 9, 2009 at 12:19 pm

   Nae and Frank,

   Thanks very much for your thoughtful commnets.

   John
4. 

   Gin says:

   August 14, 2009 at 10:22 am

   Simply thanks. What a thoughtful reminder of the important things.
5. 

   BettyBoop fl says:

   August 17, 2009 at 2:23 pm

   Thanks John, we need to keep things in perspective always!