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The power of recognition

  • Published
  • By Col. Al Hunt
  • 375th Airlift Wing commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Everyday, the men and women of Joint Total Force Scott put forth Herculean effort to keep this base running smoothly and contribute to the military's successes, both at home and around the world. As I type, personnel in the 375th Airlift Wing are working diligently and pulling out all stops as they prepare to welcome Gen. Art Lichte and his wife Chris for their official visit next week.

With the busy schedules and enormous task loads most of us tackle daily, recognition is one of the best ways to motivate coworkers, peers, supervisors, and subordinates to get the mission done right. Recognizing people for their successes is one of the lowest cost, but highest pay-off force multipliers we have available.

Unfortunately, our annual AF climate surveys repeatedly indicate the biggest area for potential improvement is recognition from all levels of leadership and supervision. We all have an opportunity to make a change for the better in this area, and we have a responsibility to recognize our great folks as often as possible.

Many of you probably think of formal award banquets and ceremonies when you think of recognition. Certainly, these are very important. Just last week, we honored the best and brightest in the 375th AW at our annual awards dinner. In addition, some of the most accomplished enlisted members were recognized during the Chiefs'/Sergeants Major Recognition Ceremony here last Friday. Promotions and retirements are other formal ways we give credit to those who have made great strides throughout their careers.

While awards functions, trophies, and certificates are great ways to recognize people's accomplishments, they are just a few of the many ways to give credit where credit is due. Recognition can and should be given to deserving folks everyday. Saying congratulations when a task is done well or a simple thank you note can do wonders to boost people's spirits. Small rewards, like letting folks go home an hour early at the end of a hectic week, are also great ways to say thanks.

Lest we not forget recognition extends beyond the workplace. Our family, friends, and local communities are equally worthy of recognition for their great support. Without them, we couldn't focus on the mission at hand.

Recognition justifies the means to the end results. It often makes the long hours of hard and tedious work worthwhile. The power of recognition to motivate people is unfathomable. When is the last time you let someone know you appreciated their efforts? How did you do it?

Without a doubt, senior leaders on this base recognize we couldn't do what we do everyday if it wasn't for all of your hard work. On behalf of those leaders, let me extend our thanks for all you do as we recognize the importance of everyone's contribution to get the job done right the first time.