Research shows that when employees achieve positive results, many expect recognition or rewards that validate their efforts. Commonly, financial incentives such as salary increases or bonuses are the most sought-after forms of acknowledgment. Yet, by provoking the status quo, literature a different point: the power of public recognition.

Adam Grant’s “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World” highlights that meaningful recognition—not just monetary—can create a culture where creativity and risk-taking thrive. Acts of acknowledgment—such as employee-of-the-month awards, shout-outs during meetings, or personalized messages from leaders—create a sense of being valued and seen. This visibility motivates employees to go beyond their core duties, fostering initiative, creativity, and a stronger connection to organizational goals.

The most effective appreciation strategies are those that balance extrinsic rewards with the cultivation of intrinsic motivation. Employees who feel their work is meaningful, recognized fairly, and aligned with organizational purpose are more engaged and committed. In essence, appreciation transcends rewards; it becomes a lens through which organizations recognize and amplify the unique contributions of their people, inspiring them to reach new heights.

Traditional reward systems often focus on what employees achieve, such as hitting sales targets or completing specific tasks. However, Adam Grant, in “Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success”, challenges this approach, pointing out that outcome-focused incentives can foster tunnel vision. This emphasis on short-term wins may undermine long-term goals, values, and relationships. For example, rewarding sales teams solely for closed deals can incentivize quick wins at the cost of nurturing lasting customer relationships or fostering collaboration.

Grant emphasizes that in today’s interconnected world, success is increasingly dependent on how people achieve results—how they interact with others, innovate, and align with organizational values. A culture that rewards creativity, risk-taking, and collaboration encourages employees to think beyond immediate outcomes, driving sustained growth and innovation.

By focusing on how employees achieve success, organizations not only align performance with core values but also build environments where trust, innovation, and collaboration flourish. Shifting the lens from outcomes to methods unlocks a more sustainable and human-centered approach to success. This perspective underscores that the path to exceptional results lies in the quality of the journey, not just the destination.