Recognition

Yesterday, I worked from 8:00 am to 5:30 am, with only an hour and a half break in the middle for dinner with the family.

I did this because I knew there were extra staff coming in to work today, and the task I was working on needed to be completed before they could do their jobs. If I hadn't, one of two things would have happened - either they would come all the way in to the office only to be sent away when it became apparent that there was no work, which would both inconvenience them and cost the company three hours of labour for each of them; or the rest of the team would need to try to scramble to find something for them to do, setting aside their own work to both coordinate and then train to make it happen. None of these potential outcomes have a direct impact on me, but they do have an impact on both the team and the company, so I did what needed to be done - I worked the 20 hour stretch and finished the job.

I sent an email at around 5:15 am, providing them with the summary of the results of the work that I had done, and to let them know that while I had to work around the clock to do it, the task was complete.

What I heard back from one of them was a reply saying "thanks for putting this together" and the other simply "thx". There was no acknowledgement of sacrifice, dedication, or commitment. There was no mention of my having gone "above and beyond". They were simply happy that the work was done, and didn't care what was needed to get it done. The lack of recognition leaves me dispirited and disappointed in our leadership team.

I've always been a dedicated employee. I'm a hard worker and a productive one. I not only do my job, but always keep in mind the big picture - what's best for the team, the client, and the company. I've always been driven to do the best job I could, and in the past, I've been inspired to do so.

Recognition means a lot. It can mean the difference between someone doing something great just once, or many times. It can mean the difference between someone feeling appreciated and someone feeling taken for granted. It can mean the difference between good relationships and crumbling ones.

While I mull over the impact that this experience has on my feelings about work, I'll take away this life lesson and make sure I don't make the same mistakes that my management team has made. It serves as a reminder for me to recognize all the little (and not so little) things that people do for us every day. Reminding me not to take things for granted, because it hurts and devalues people when we do.

I'm reminded of the "Golden Rule" and focusing on recognition.