Recognition

In this episode of Your Weekly Leadership Nudge, host Todd Long shares insights on the importance of recognition in leadership. Inspired by his experience at the Big 12 Basketball Tournament in Kansas City, where fans were celebrated on camera for their beards or dancing, Todd connects recognition to how people feel valued and motivated.

 

He explains that positive recognition reinforces identity, value, and motivation.

 

Todd outlines three ways leaders can recognize others:

1. I see you — Acknowledge people personally by name and presence.
2. I hear you — Listen to and seek out others’ ideas and perspectives.
3. I acknowledge you — Show appreciation through words, thoughtful gestures, or time spent together.

He encourages listeners to practice recognition through two exercises:

• Individually, identify and positively recognize three important people in your life.
• As a team, share what members appreciate about one another.

Todd closes with a quote from Mother Teresa: “There’s more hunger for love and appreciation in the world than for bread,” reinforcing his message that consistent, genuine recognition nourishes relationships and strengthens leadership.