What distinguishes recognition from appreciation?

Recognition and appreciation, often used interchangeably, fulfill distinct roles within the workplace. According to an article by Mike Robbins in the Harvard Business Review:

Recognition is about giving positive feedback based on results or performance. Appreciation, on the other hand, is about acknowledging a person’s inherent value.[1]

Both are vital, but their differences are significant.

Recognition can take various forms, such as awards, bonuses, raises, verbal expressions of gratitude, or handwritten notes. When appropriately earned and deserved, these methods can hold deep meaning and serve as powerful motivators. However, recognition has its limitations — it’s performance-based and conditional.

As emphasized by research in the article by Albert Costill, based on insights from the London School of Economics: “Financial incentives may indeed reduce intrinsic motivation and diminish ethical or other reasons for complying with workplace social norms.”[2]

This means financial incentives can backfire, eroding an employee’s inherent motivation to complete tasks and find joy in their work. In contrast, appreciation shines a light on an individual’s value, nurturing a sense of significance and belonging in the workplace.

What They Do vs. Who They Are

  • Recognition is about what people do.
  • Appreciation is about who they are.

Why does this matter?

Because, for all of us, the path to success includes mistakes, challenges, and failures. Therefore, if the emphasis remains solely on recognition, the broader perspective of acknowledging the whole person gets overlooked.

On the other hand, appreciation involves genuinely understanding and valuing someone as an individual.

So, how can you achieve this?

How to Give Appreciation Effectively

When expressing appreciation, these three tips will enhance your communication:

Tip #1: Be brief.

Say everything you want to say in one single-breath exhale — a little goes a long way.

Tip #2: Be specific.

Rather than offering a vague compliment like “I appreciate how you handled that patient,” provide specific examples, such as “I appreciate that you took the time to pause and actively listen to the patient’s concerns.”

Tip #3: Be indisputable.

 

Avoid subjective statements like “You did the best job writing that report,” which can be debated. Instead, say, “I admired your inclusion of concrete examples and your use of data to support your findings in the report.”

How to Receive Appreciation

Receiving appreciation is like receiving a gift.

Imagine someone going to the store and selecting something just for you. They hand you their gift and watch as you open it. Would you then say, “No thanks,” and reject it?

Surprisingly, that’s what many people do with appreciation. They’re uncomfortable receiving it, so they don’t accept it!

Here are three common ways people reject appreciation:

Deflect: They deflect the compliment by saying, “Ah no, John deserves all the credit.”

 

Reciprocity: They respond by trying to match the compliment with one of their own by replying, “Thanks. You did a great job, too!”

 

Discount: You acknowledge the compliment but downplay it by responding, “Thanks, but you didn’t need to say anything.”

Have you ever found yourself doing any of these?

If so, you’re not alone.

When you are on the receiving side of appreciation, say “thank you” and smile — no need for more.

Both recognition and appreciation are important to give and receive. So, when you’re deciding which to use and when, apply this rule of thumb:

Give recognition when deserved and earned. Offer appreciation whenever the opportunity arises.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou.

[1] Mike Robbins, “Why Employees Need Recognition and Appreciation,” Harvard Business Review, November 12, 2019, https://hbr.org/2019/11/why-employees-need-both-recognition-and-appreciation.

[2] Albert Costill, “What Really Motivates Employees? Research Reveals Secrets,” Due, updated May 9, 2023, https://due.com/what-really-motivates-employees-research-reveals-secrets/.