THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 03: Fostering Engagement at Work through Creating a Culture of Recognition
February 17, 2025
In this episode, we tackle a startling reality: 65% of employees haven't received any form of recognition in the last year. I'll share powerful strategies to bridge the recognition gap and create a culture where your team feels genuinely valued and engaged. Whether you're struggling with how to give meaningful recognition or wondering why your current efforts aren't landing, this episode will transform how you think about employee appreciation.
Listen Now
Listen now
As a busy leader, you know the importance of recognition, but between putting out fires, supporting your team, and managing your own workload, meaningful appreciation often falls to the bottom of the priority list.
Maybe you're already saying "thank you" regularly but sensing it's not enough, or perhaps you're concerned that increased recognition might create unrealistic expectations.
In this episode, I unpack the real reasons behind the recognition gap and share practical, time-efficient strategies to create genuine engagement – beyond just saying "good job."
You'll discover how to leverage tools like The Six Types of Working Genius® to understand what truly motivates different team members, learn how to tie recognition to clear standards and goals, and master the art of meaningful appreciation that drives both performance and retention.
"I want to encourage you to think less about 'recognizing and praising' your employees, and more about truly engaging them in their work."
Highlights from this episode:
In this episode, we explore:
The Recognition Crisis: Understanding why 65% of employees feel unappreciated and the real impact on engagement and retention
Common Leadership Resistance: Unpacking the honest reasons many leaders hesitate to give more recognition
The Gallup Q12: Key engagement indicators that reveal what recognition really means to employees
Practical Recognition Strategies:
- Using the Working Genius assessment to understand how different team members prefer to be recognized
- Creating meaningful progress through better workload management
- Building growth opportunities through strategic delegation
Action Steps for Better Recognition:
- Making the most of one-on-one meetings
- Establishing role and responsibility clarity
- Setting clear team standards
- Connecting appreciation to goals and outcomes
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Links mentioned in this episode:
The Six Types of Working Genius®
Role Clarity Guide: Available on the Resource Page
Responsibility Clarity Guide: Available on the Resource Page
Episode 02: Setting Your Leadership Standards
Gallup Employee Recognition Study
MIT Sloan Review - Workplace Loneliness Study
Gallup Q12 Engagement SurveyÂ
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About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
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We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Episode #01:Â Welcome to THIS Leader
In our premiere episode, we explore what makes a true leader. We dive into how leadership starts with understanding your impact on others and making the choice to make that impact positive. You'll walk away with a practical exercise to help you step more fully into your leadership potential.
Episode #02: Setting Your Leadership Standards
Discover the power of defining and maintaining your leadership standards, especially during challenging times. I'll introduce you to my "5 Cs" framework – Connection, Clarity, Curiosity, Courage, Consistency – and show you how these standards can transform your leadership impact and team dynamics.
