Above and beyond – that’s a common theme for what types of employee contributions should be recognized.
And it’s a good theme. This is so important to some of our clients that they’ve even branded their recognition programs “Above and Beyond.”
But what about “completely different?” Or “entirely outside of the job description?” Sometimes we recognize and reward these individuals, but all too often we punish them instead, forcing them back into the box and encouraging them to “just get the job done.”
And then there are people like Charles Clark, custodian at Trinity High School in Euless, TX. Featured in a recent CBS Sunday Morning story, Mr. Clark does his defined “job” very well.
He is committed to providing a clean and comfortable environment for the students and faculty. But it’s his “extra” work that perhaps has the most lasting and profound impact.
Here’s the story:
Mr. Clark pays attention and watches out for the students that might need a little extra encouragement and guidance to stay on the right path. He serves as a counselor of sorts, one who the professional counselor on staff acknowledges is better than the pros at working with some of the students.
And his results are outstanding. The students Mr. Clark targets for special attention tend to go on to graduate college.
The principles he applies to students work just as well with our colleagues. When applied thoughtfully, these principles can have profound impact on others.
How can you be more intentional in noticing your colleagues and their efforts? How have words of encouragement from others helped you?
This was originally published on the Recognize This! blog.
