Learn to Recognize

Learn to Recognize
Written By Lillian Watson
July 21, 2014

     Today I am finally completing my last leadership class before starting into my capstones.  OH my goodness I am exhausted and nervous all at the same time.  These past 6 weeks have taught me a lot though about leadership.  There are different aspects to being a leader than most people would actually think.  I noticed though that throughout the class many people brought up that they felt their leadership did not recognize their achievements.  It seemed odd to me that people who worked retail or in an office would expect that, but then the more we read into it the more it made sense.  I have no personal experience with a "job" that recognizes achievements, but I will give some insight on the direct sales aspect today.

     Not getting recognized for achievements can really SUCK.  Over recognizing someone and kissing their butt to a point that the rest of your team wants to vomit is just as bad.  You have to remember that every person who signs with you is reaching goals that the feel are important.  Sometimes allowing a "Give yourself a pat on the back" day where they can share their achievements is a really good idea.  I saw this in effect in a team meeting for another Direct Sales company that brought me in to speak recently.  I was shocked at how happy those ladies were, and when I spoke to one of them afterward they told me that it is part of the reason they love their upline.  Realizing that recognition should not just come when the person is the TOP in sales is a big deal.  Recognizing them when they hit their first $600 month or $1,200 month is a BIG DEAL for them.  This is especially true when they have seen it done for others. 

     A common complaint that I have heard from others in the Direct Sales business is that they are so tired of hearing only about the top sellers every email.  If the same person is reaching $5,000 a month sales every month that is great for them, but they are not the only person on your team.  Stop kissing their butt and realize that there are other women/men out there.  I am not saying do not recognize them for their hard work, but you also need to include other women too from time to time.  Did Sally just graduate college...AWESOME CELEBRATE...buy her an honor cord to wear at her graduation.  Did Suzie just recruit her first girl....SUPER...celebrate with her by recognizing her with a flower.  Did Tom just have his first $1,200 month....YEAH BABY...celebrate by giving him a certificate.  Motivate them to want to continue on.  If you had a team member who did something awesome at a party and you heard about it you should recognize them because someone went out of their way to tell you that.  They deserve the recognition.

      Motivation and recognition often times go hand in hand.  If you do not recognize that someone hit a small goal for themselves then they will loose the motivation.  Even if it is just a shout out on a team website/facebook page do it.  What will it hurt to announce that Mary had her first $400 party?  Keep the spark alive and let them know that even the small things are important.  We talk about how even the small orders we make money off of, but we never mention how even the smallest sales a consultant does brings us in money.  Do not blow off everyone each month because they are not your top in sales.  If they want to celebrate something with them then celebrate it. 

     That is it for today, but before I go DARCEY SHEPARD WAY TO GO!!!!  She had her first $1,200 month recently for Pure Romance, and she is very excited.  She was one of my girls when I sold Pure Romance, and she visited with me today.  I'm very happy for her and all she is achieving with Pure Romance.  Much LOVE to her!!!!