When giving recognition, it’s never a “one size fits all.”
A manager orders lunch to show appreciation for employees’ hard work. The gesture falls flat – with only a few people appearing genuinely happy about it. The manager becomes frustrated, thinks the employees are ungrateful & vows not to provide lunch again. What went wrong?
Employees are motivated by different things. Tailoring recognition to employees’ individuals’ DiSC® styles is much more effective.
For the “D” (Dominance) style employees, it’s about acknowledging their competitive nature. They appreciate feedback that is focused on results & impact. A sales contest with an incentive can be the way to go. “Ds” also appreciate when they are rewarded with challenging assignments where they have high autonomy & opportunities to lead projects.
Since employees with the “i” (Influence) style enjoy social validation, public recognition in a team meeting for a job well done can be a go-to option. Employees with this style may enjoy participating in a team-building activity, such as an escape room challenge or an ice cream social. They may also appreciate the opportunity to attend a conference where they can connect with other people in their profession.
The “S” (Steadiness) style is fond of clear expectations & consistent feedback, along with stable work schedules/predictable routines. Personalized thank-you notes explaining why the behavior being recognized is valued can be a good idea. Providing “Ss” with opportunities to mentor colleagues or designating them as “employee of the month” for supporting their team through their dependable nature can also serve as “wins.”
“C” (Conscientiousness) style employees are known for their accuracy & great attention to detail. They value access to data & information to support their decision-making. Performance-based bonuses that tie financial incentives to meeting specific quality targets can validate their commitment to doing things right. “Cs” may also appreciate an opportunity to participate in an in-depth training course to enhance their skills in a software product they frequently use.
By aligning rewards with employees’ specific DiSC® styles & motivations, managers help to create a culture of recognition that benefits the entire organization. Reach out today to learn how to provide recognition to your employees based on their unique styles.
