That Which is Rewarded is Repeated

Mary Kay Ash once said, “There are two things people want more than sex and money - - - recognition and praise!”  And that is why her top employees drove pink Cadillac’s and were given so many accolades as salespeople.  Mary Kay Cosmetics is a legend, and an example for employers everywhere.  “That which is Rewarded is Repeated.”

Rewards come in many forms.  We think of them as a trophy for being the best at something, or money, a promotion or public recognition. A parking space for a month, a name on a plaque, all are rewards that encourage good performances.  These are certainly rewards but….

Rewards don’t have to be big things!  As Mary Kay pointed out, praise is a wonderful form of recognition; it’s a small reward that resides in our head, to be cherished.  It makes us feel good!  Praise can be spur of the moment, “Gosh, you handled that beautifully!”; “I can ALWAYS count on you!”  “Your smile just makes me feel good!”  We want to live up to comments like that – to repeat what we did, to claim that as our own “trademark”; something we want to be known for.

If you want your praise to make a big impression, put it in writing.  Keep note cards handy so you can pen something quickly when a praiseworthy action happens; look for these actions.  Say how much you appreciate the care that went into something by writing it on a sticky note and putting it on the project, or paycheck.  Make your praise personal, “Great job!” is generic and not as meaningful as a personal acknowledgement.  Try, “You got this in two days before the deadline – you are amazing!”

Praise your coworkers.  When someone takes your shift, or simply helps you, saying thanks in a sincere and personal way will reinforce your gratitude and make your teammate more willing to help again.  Many of us are starved for praise and recognition, acknowledgement that we matter and make a difference go a long way to validate who we are, and that we aren’t just a body in a seat.

Praise as a reward works at home too.  “You do such a great job of loading the dishwasher; you put everything in so it is sure to come out clean.”  Being specific makes the praise a reinforcement of the way you want things done. Praise takes little time and effort, often we are thinking these things, why not say them and make someone’s day?  Actions that are Rewarded are Repeated, and that makes life better for all.