Adult Volunteer Leader
Self-Improvement Series
Welcome to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Mississippi Corridor Cluster, Adult Volunteer Leader Self-Improvement Series. This is the fifth and last lesson in a series of five independent study lessons designed especially for adult volunteers that work with youth.
Take your time to go through the lesson, writing down any special question or problems you have. Plan to ask and discuss those questions with other volunteers, more experienced leaders or contact the Mississippi Corridor Cluster county extension office nearest you. We appreciate your comments. They help us determine future efforts for providing training.
Introduction
Recognition and awards are a necessary part of any youth group. They are of special importance in the area of leadership because one of the deepest emotional needs an individual possesses is the desire for recognition and approval by other people.
Objectives
- Understand the need for recognition and its importance in motivating people.
- Identify specific ways for giving recognition.
- Gain new ideas and develop skills in giving recognition.
Importance of Recognition
We can look at the importance of recognition by seeing some examples of research. All individuals have a need for recognition but in different degrees or amounts.
Research shows that there are three psychological needs which people subconsciously look for in group relationships:
- Response, which is fellowship.
- Security, or the sense of belonging.
- Recognition.
The more all three of these needs are satisfied in a group, the stronger the bonds will be holding that member to the group and the more likely the member will support the group's goals and activities. On the other hand, if any of these three emotional needs are left unsatisfied, members may desert the group and join another organization.
Recognition Is Respect Made Visible
What is recognition? It is simply respect made visible. It's showing or telling someone how you feel. Visible respect includes:
- Recognizing the importance of the job. Groups require many small tasks that often go un-noticed or unrecognized. But, every task to be done is important.
- Recognition of the quality of the performance should be made. Remember, we all have our own standards or expectations of the quality.
- Recognition of the person doing the job. Often, what we recognize is the performance, rather than the person doing the job. Of these three, the person is by far the most important.
Effective Recognition
People want recognition to be earned - not given. They do not want to be praised or recognized out of proportion. In essence, they want honest and deserved acknowledgement.
- Recognition should be both formal and informal. Formal includes "things," like certificates, pins, awards. Informal is the more spontaneous type which is usually not planned. This might be simply saying Thanks! or I'm glad you're here or You really did a great job. It includes asking someone their opinion, involving someone in planning, or showing your interest in what someone is doing. To most people, this spur-of-the-moment type of recognition is by far the most important.
- Recognition should be continuous and not just done at an awards program or special event.
- We need to change our forms of recognition regularly to keep them fresh, up to date.
- Recognition should be part of the group program plan. Plan formal recognition, such as a party or Awards Program. Keep informal recognition in mind constantly as you work with the club.
- Recognition is motivation. It stimulates youth and adults to strive to do their best, to be challenged, and to assume greater responsibility.
Most importantly, recognition is for ALL! Recognition can be a wonder-drug; there is nothing more potent than recognition and appreciation. Remember, don't recognize the task, but recognize the person. It is a wonderful boost to the self-esteem to be appreciated for abilities, accomplishments, or a desirable character trait.
Awards Philosophy
We can identify two main reasons for having awards. The first reason is to provide recognition for the youth’s achievements. Awards are visible and tangible. The second reason for awards is to serve as a motivator.
Motivation can be broken into two types. Intrinsic motivation can be defined as doing something because of one's internal feelings such as needs or aspirations. There is no obvious ulterior motive with intrinsic motivation.
Extrinsic motivation is the kind of motivation awards encourage. There is an obvious incentive or ulterior motive which moves the person to action.
Not everyone thrives on extrinsic motivation. However, it is easy to get involved in competition and focus on this need.
Different young people have different sources of motivation. For example, Joan might need the chance to win a ribbon or trip, or some material motivation to make her excited about participating in an activity. This would be an extrinsic motivation.
On the other hand, Bill might participate because he has a need to excel, or just because he enjoys a project. This would be an intrinsic motivation.
Awards Selection Process
Awards can be put into two categories, short-term and long-term. Short-term awards recognize a 1-time achievement, such as a champion exhibit at the county fair, a trip to the State Fair, perfect attendance at group meetings, or winning a merit badge. These awards are given at the club and county level.
Long-term awards measure achievement over several years. Examples are a feeling of self-satisfaction, evidence of postive growth, gaining of job/career skills.
Pat on the Back and Other Ways to Give Recognition
Thank you for your commitment to your youth group and to the youth of your community. Write down one accomplishment you have done about which you have a positive feeling. How were you recognized for that achievement?
We all need a "pat on the back" from time to time. Whether we refer to this as recognition, appreciation, or awards, what we are really doing is recognizing the effort and contributions of others. You all deserve a "pat on the back" for the accomplishments and efforts you have made.
Pat on the Back Name Tags: Give "pats on the back" to your children, or members of your group. You can use them like nametags, or cards, whatever you like. Give whenever someone does a "good deed" or "good job." Design a small card with space for the person's name and what they did. Add thanks and a drawing if you like.
Creative Ways to Recognize: Here are some other ideas for giving recognition in your group and family.
- Smile!
- Roll call topic: "One thing I am proud of is..."
- Have a "member of the day," give them an introduction with a list of accomplishments.
- Give additional responsibility.
- Say, "I love how you did that!"
- Shake hands.
- Say, "That is really good. Tell me how you did that."
- Greet all by name.
- Compile a news flash for each meeting, listing accomplishments of members and leaders.
- Put it in the paper.
- Take time to talk.
- Say "Thank You!"
- Award little hand-made medal ribbons, fastened with a safety pin.
- Give personal praise on a job well done.
- Plan an annual awards ceremony.
- Write a note of appreciation.
- Involve everyone in planning.
- Give a certificate.
- Throw a party!
- Give a hug.
- Enable people to grow out of the job.
- Say, "You did a great job!"
- Write a letter to the editor.
- Praise them to their friends, children, parents, anyone who cares.
- Say "WOW!"
Topic 5: Understanding Recognition and Awards
to return to the beginning of this series.
Understanding Youth
Strengthen Your Group Through Planning
Supporting the Family
Projects: The Gateway to Boys and Girls