The Myth
Telling people they've done a good job makes them complacent
The Finding
Far from encouraging complacency, a common misconception, recognition
for good performance is one of the most powerful inducements to continued good performance
and high morale in general. It is a lack of recognition that depresses the motivation most
people have to perform. To receive recognition for one's achievements is one of the most
fundamental of human needs. When employee performance is taken for granted by management,
as in, "that's what we expect, why mention it?," employees and the company both lose.
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