I suck at giving praise and recognition. It’s my biggest weakness (although I’m sure there are those who would argue that my other weaknesses are even bigger).

I very much subscribe to the “praise comes every two weeks in the form of a paycheck” school of thought.

I know I’m wrong to think that way.

I’ve read the headlines for the studies: “recognition is more valuable than money”…”praise beats out pay”…”a kind word beats a raise.”

Maybe my thinking on this is just that—thinking. Maybe I’m failing to let my feelings influence my actions.

I’m hurting all of those around me.

The bottom line is this: I’m wrong to think what I think. My way of thinking doesn’t work. Holding on to my ideas is only hurting me and everyone who works with me.

Recognition is powerful, and thinking otherwise is wrongheaded.

Trust me, I’ve tested my approach for more than 20 years.

My way doesn’t work.

There is a better way, and shockingly, it’s easy to implement.

It’s easy if you can overcome your resistance.

All you’ve got to do is praise people. You’ve got to tell them when they’re doing something right. Amazingly, they’re doing something right almost all of the time.

Did they show up for work today? Boom—something right.

Did they call a client back? Boom—something right.

Did they come back from lunch on time? Boom.

Did they copy the documents you asked for? Boom.

Did they do the research? Draft the brief? Schedule the deposition? Boom, boom, boom.

You get the idea.

You can fix the recognition problem fast.

Here are three easy ways to recognize people for doing things right.

First, the old standby, thank you notes. Write two or three sentences thanking the person for doing the thing right. I like this approach since I don’t have to get all “mushy” in front of anyone. Done.

Second, go ahead and say it. Say “thank you.” Let the person know how much you appreciate that he or she got it done right.

Third, if you’ve been delinquent like me and you’re way behind on recognition, take the person to lunch to say thank you. One-on-one attention from you means a lot. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is and how much fun you have. Just do it.

You’ll be amazed at what happens in your office.

Your people are going to perform differently. They’re going to do more of the right stuff and less of the wrong stuff. They’re going to be happier. They’re going to stop seeking attention by asking for special office supplies, pay raises, and better technology. They’re going to be happier. You’re going to be amazed at the difference a bit of recognition can make.

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Please try it. And, more importantly (from my perspective anyway), please pester me to do it and keep doing it.

I’ve witnessed the power of recognition when I’ve been able to motivate myself. I’ve witnessed the fallout when I’ve drifted away from recognition. It’s time for me to get back to it. If you’ve lost your way on keeping up with recognizing the good stuff, then join me on my journey to get back to doing it.