The Swiss Army Knife for Driving Good Behavior

When it comes to behavioral change, recognition is an all-purpose tool. You can think of it as being a bit like a Swiss Army knife. And all leaders—regardless of title—within your organization should be comfortable using it.

Fundamentally, when people are recognized and acknowledged, it allows them—and also everyone who observes it—to see what “good” performance and behavior looks like. It creates models of behavior that people can repeat and emulate.

Now to be clear, “good” looks a lot differe...