Tips for Everyone
Recognition practices are most effective and meaningful when people can see how their contributions are helping Ryerson achieve its priorities and values. Remember, the most impactful recognition is timely, specific and meaningful. Here are some ideas for recognition you can use.
Quick tips to get started
Be thankful
Most people simply want to be thanked for what they do.
Say "thank you" for completing a difficult task or managing a difficult situation.
Be specific
Tell the person what it is you're thankful for and how it helped.
Be meaningful and proactive
Ask others how they like to be recognized. Use our employee preference questionnaire to understand what meaningful recognition looks like to them.
Be realistic
Set goals that are achievable and realistic.
Be open
Ask for feedback on your expectations and recognition practices.
Be available
Be present and listen, acknowledge others’ ideas.
Be timely
Don’t wait! Recognize the person right away.
Be equitable and inclusive
Give everyone the opportunity to be recognized for their contributions. Read keeping things fair to help with equitable and inclusive practices.
Be positive
Spend most of your time focused on recognizing what is going well.
Be authentic
Be sincere in the recognition you give.
Be flexible
Reevaluate and update your recognition activities regularly.
Be aligned
Coordinate recognition with department, faculty and university values.
Remember that showing appreciation for others doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. Draw inspiration from this list of ways in which you can say thanks.