In my last couple of posts, I’ve explored the idea that employee retention is a key to student retention. To recap research by the renowned Gallup Organization: the most loyal employees feel they:

• Know what is expected of them
• Are recognized
• Have an opportunity to grow

We reviewed “expectations” last time. But what about “recognition”?

Does anybody care?

American psychologist and philosopher William James stated: “The deepest craving of human nature is to feel appreciated.”

Mary Kay Ash, cosmetic magnate, expresses the same concept slightly differently: “There are only two things people want more than sex and money—and that’s recognition and praise.”

Regardless of which quote resonates with you, the point is the same. Recognition is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. Buckingham and Coffman in First Break all the Rules (Simon and Schuster, 1999) report that the most motivated employees answer positively to the question: “In the last seven days have I received recognition or praise for good work?”

Think of your most valued employees. Have you praised them recently? Do they know you care? To keep employees engaged, be on the lookout for something positive. Make your recognition timely and specific.

We’ll wrap up next time with “Growth Opportunities.”