Recognizing employees for the good work they do is a critical leadership skill – and has an impact on morale, productivity, performance, retention, and even customer satisfaction. Yet, there are a frightening number of leaders who fail to do it frequently or skillfully. Based on an analysis of thousands of 360-degree leadership assessments, the authors show there is a strong connection between employee recognition and engagement. Managers who are rated in the top 10% for giving recognition are much more likely to have employees who report feeling engaged, confident they’ll be treated fairly, and willing to put in higher levels of discretionary effort. The authors also share tips on improving both the substance and delivery of the recognition.

Pichai is encouraging leaders and parents to tap into the deep well of intrinsic motivation

While most of the country is currently in love with Ted Lasso, the people of Kansas City—where I live—might call it an obsession. The references to our hometown hero are everywhere—from shirts, to signs, to sermons.