One of the most rewarding parts of leading my DevOps team is seeing individuals being recognized by their peers. Every bit of kudos is well earned, and witnessing those moments is pure joy.
Giving praise is one of the simplest yet most powerful gifts you can offer. Whether it’s through an internal company rewards system, a shout-out in a meeting, or a simple email, acknowledging someone’s contributions can have a lasting impact.
These small gestures hold immense value on multiple levels:
- Year-end evaluations – They provide tangible evidence of an individual’s impact and contributions.
- Boosting self-esteem – Knowing that you’ve made a difference is a powerful motivator.
- Encouraging continued excellence – Even if we don’t openly seek praise, deep down, it’s always nice to hear. For introverts (which I am), it can be easy to brush it off, but beneath the surface, there’s always a quiet grin.
As a leader, when I see recognition come through—whether it’s a CC’d email or an internal rewards system—I make sure to highlight it to the entire team. There are three key reasons for this:
- Genuine pride – I get immense joy from seeing my team members succeed.
- Team reputation – When an individual is recognized, some of that positive energy reflects on the entire team, strengthening our collective reputation.
- Visibility – Often, recognition can be hidden away in emails or private messages. Unlike in team sports like football, rugby, or cricket—where an individual’s brilliance is celebrated immediately—workplace achievements can go unnoticed. By amplifying these moments, we create a culture where success is shared and celebrated together.
At the end of the day, individual success is team success. And the more we acknowledge and uplift each other, the stronger and more motivated we become.
