Every Day Heroes

According to a 2016 Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM.org) article, people seek jobs they are passionate about doing and organizations that recognize its staff. Employee recognition programs are a great way to incentivize creative staff and encourage friendly competition among peers as a way to invest in the organization’s future. While there are some great opportunities with various recognition programs, sometimes some of our greatest assets- everyday heroes may never get a proverbial “shout out” about their contributions because their efforts often go unnoticed. Or, all too often the same people get recognized year in and year out which may generate a “in group/out group” type of culture.

What is an “Every Day Hero?”  Every Day Heroes are employees or other staff who go to great lengths to innovate programs, reduce financial challenges in their organizations’ budgets, serve as office admin and support staff, manage contracts with exemplary fiscal responsibility in mind, make sure you have the technology and tools to get the job done or simply step up to the plate to volunteer to take on a new project at work despite having a full load of priorities.

These people are also known as “individual contributors” who rally the team to exceed expectations and may never ask for a thank you in return because of an altruistic approach to their work.  Moreover, they never brag about their contributions because that is not their style. Every Day Heroes often jump into the fray, give it their all to support the team and move on. And yes, they sometimes fall under the radar when it comes to awards programs because they are selfless and fearless.

How do you make the effort to acknowledge the majority of every day heroes? The book “First, Break All of the Rules” by Markus Buckingham and Curt Coffman suggests that good leaders create an environment that recognizes and rewards them. Consider using the tips below to get started.

5 tips to Recognize Everyday Heroes:

1. Create a work culture that takes the time to say thank you to Every Day Heroes in creative, social and public ways.
2. Encourage leaders to walk and talk with staff across the agency to learn more about individuals’ contributions to the organization’s success.
3. Recognize every day heroes in public forums such as town hall meetings, on social networks and in executive messages.
4. Remember to say thank you to staff that do extraordinary work daily.
5. Personalize the recognition. One of my favorite bosses in the federal sphere held staff meetings once a quarter and gave his team “everyday hero” awards based on their interests. He gave things like gift cards based on staff's specific interests, movie tickets and wrote personal letters of commendation.

Who are the Every Day Heroes in your organization? Give them a GovLoop "Shout Out" for their accomplishments.