Make Their Day!: Employee Recognition That Works

In a very logical, witty, and meaningful way, Cindy Ventrice illuminates key ideas associated with employee recognition, personal recognition, and the fundamental concept of recognition. On a deeper level, she fleshes out the compelling importance of what is means to 'really' give any person in any area of life what they need to feel genuinely valued as a human being. In one of her case examples she discusses the behavioral/recognition styles of "Design Octaves". This company gives their employees a trip to Hawaii after completing ten years of service. Again though, it is not just the reward of flying to Hawaii expenses paid. Rather it is the value and meaning in the message that the company conveys to the employee "We are sending you to Hawaii because our company greatly values your loyalty, integrity, and upbeat attitude towards work, productivity, and a team oriented spirit." By identifying the real psychological and emotional needs of the employee, Cindy goes to the root of what we all really want out of life - an individual purpose and interconnectedness in what we do day in and day out with the people around us. "Make Their Day" is an excellent and worthwhile business management book/tool that will keep you on your toes and engaged in the crucial psychological topic of "employee recognition" or "human recognition". Matthew R. Polkinghorne Graduate Student Alliant International University Marshall Goldsmith School of Management San Diego, Scripps Ranch Campus

This book is right on - a great guide to preventing the pitfalls that can hamper a recognition program, exploring common myths and practical tips about the roles of HR and managers and recognition methods. During my own experience of leading a team recognition program several years for a $5B company, I developed an appreciation for the useful advice in "Make Their Day!" in making meaningful recognition a valuable tool in the success of initiatives and company culture. The examples and case studies are just long enough to illustrate real-life application of the author's many nuggets of advice, and every chapter ends with a "Taking Action" list of suggestions for successful recognition program implementation. For another quick read with step-by-step tips, I also recommend: Metrics You Can Manage For Success and Customer Experience Improvement Momentum.

Recognition is one of the key management practices that is often overlooked. This book gives the reader lots of easy to implement ideas and a variety of solutions. All managers should keep this practical guide visible in their office. We would all be a lot happier if our efforts were recognized in meaningful ways as suggested by Cindy Ventrice. She gives simple answers to a universal problem.

Super book!! If you follow the advice in Make Their Day! your employees will be more fulfilled, more productive, and confident. It outlines simple and efficient ways to recognize employees wihtout taking time out from busy schedules and without spending money. As a manager, I believe that recognition is the cornerstone of exemplary performance.

If you want to learn how to better recognize employees in your organization or if you're not satisfied with how your workplace recognizes your contributions, buy this book. It explains how to give recognition that is **meaningful** and matters. It also introduces the innovative concept of self-recognition. If you're not getting the recognition you want at work, there are things you can do to recognize yourself and feel more satisfied. A must read for human resource professionals, managers, execs, and every employee. The ideas in the book have made a very positive difference for how I recognize myself and others at work.