Research consistently indicates that people value genuine and timely recognition for a job well done.

What does good performance look like?

• Achieving agreed goals and objectives with successful outcomes
• Meeting or exceeding agreed standards of performance
• Demonstrating attitudes and behaviours which are valued and encouraged by the University

Give praise

• Give praise in person
• Don't wait: do it straightaway
• Make the praise the sole focus of your conversation
• Be clear about what has impressed you and where you saw it
• Avoid generalised statements as these can sound insincere
• If others share your views, use this to reinforce what you are saying
• Highlight the positive consequences of the performance or behaviour

Other informal recognition

This can be as simple as:

• sharing their achievements with colleagues and/or more senior managers
• a letter recognising and praising someone for their contribution

Gestures like this can be a very powerful form of reward and encouragement.

Teams may also have their own local forms of recognition which reflect their own style and culture: for example, team lunches, celebratory events or away days.