Leadership Recognition and Influence: The Power of Noticing What’s Going Right

Recognition is one of the most overlooked tools in leadership recognition and influence, yet it has the power to change how employees feel, work, and stay.

I once read about Chip Conley, founder and former CEO of a boutique hotel chain, who practiced a simple but powerful ritual with his executive team. At the end of every leadership meeting, he invited one executive to take sixty seconds to recognize an employee who had recently done excellent work.

Not someone in the room.

Not limited to someone on their own team.

Someone anywhere in the company who deserved to be seen.

When they finished sharing that story, another executive would volunteer to call, email, or personally visit the employee to deliver the message: “We see you. Your work matters. Thank you.”

That was it. One minute of storytelling. One moment of recognition. One leader taking action. Yet the ripple effect was far greater than the time it took.

Leadership Recognition and Influences Strengthen Culture

Most organizations talk about values. Very few practice them consistently — especially at the executive level.

This simple ritual does three things exceptionally well:

1. It trains leaders to look for what’s going right. Not what’s broken. Not who’s behind. But who is adding value.

2. It creates a shared culture of recognition. Instead of recognition living only within departments, it becomes a company-wide language: “We notice. We appreciate. We don’t take you for granted.”

3. It reinforces purpose. People don’t stay because they’re paid. They stay because they’re valued, trusted, and connected to the impact of their work.

What It Does for the Employee

Think about the last time someone unexpected recognized your effort. Not a polite “good job,” but a specific, meaningful acknowledgment of something you contributed.

It builds:

• Pride in work

• Loyalty to the organization

• Confidence to keep growing

• A deeper sense of belonging

When executives — not just direct supervisors — reach out, employees don’t just feel appreciated. They feel seen by the people who shape the future of the company.

That level of recognition changes people. It shapes identity, not just performance.

What It Does for the Leader

Recognition is not a soft skill. It is a strategic advantage.

Leaders who consistently notice and elevate the work of others gain:

• Trust — because people feel psychologically safe

• Influence — because people follow leaders who notice them

• Engagement — because recognition fuels ownership and commitment

• Visibility — because their leadership multiplies impact instead of managing tasks

And most importantly: Recognition teaches leaders to slow down, observe, and value people — not just outcomes.

That is leadership in action.

Reflection for Today

Before the day ends, ask yourself:

• Who did something this week that deserves acknowledgment?

• Who has been quietly carrying a load without praise?

• Whose effort has become so reliable that it’s almost invisible?

Leadership isn’t defined by position. It’s defined by how you use your influence.

Recognition costs nothing — and yet it changes everything.

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