On Top of Real Recognition: Top 10 Ways to Recognize Teams the Obama Way November 26, 2008
By Roy Saunderson
President-elect Barack Obama proved in his victory speech at Chicago's Grant Park demonstrated the power of team recognition. Speaking to hundreds of thousands live and many multi-millions worldwide, President-elect Obama thanked everyone who helped him cross the finish line. Below are the top 10 ways he did it and how you can to.
1. Create a setting that allows the entire team to participate in celebration. Obama chose Chicago's Grant Park as his victory venue because it was large and vast enough for anyone and everyone to come.
2. Cite the shared achievement. Obama acknowledged his audience with "tonight is your answer" and united everyone by saying, "We are, and always will be, the United States of America."
3. Respectfully recognize your opponent to strengthen your earned win. Obama acknowledged Senator John McCain for the long and hard fought campaign and for his sacrifice and service to the country.
4. Recognize the importance of the co-pilot. Obama acknowledged the home grown roots of his "partner in this journey," Vice-President elect, Joe Biden.
5. Recognize your loved ones. Obama described his wife, Michelle, as his best friend, the rock of their family and the love of his life. He spoke to his daughters from the podium reminding them of their promised reward of a puppy in the White House.
6. Recognize your past. Obama thanked his recently deceased grandmother and his siblings and family for their support.
7. Recognize the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Obama recognized the unforgettable sacrifices and contributions of his campaign manager and strategist for "the best political campaign—in the United States of America."
8. Recognize the hard-core supporters. Obama singled out the young and old alike who were prepared to put their trust, money, time and vote in this "unlikeliest" of candidates.
9. Recognize those who are reluctant to embrace your leadership. Obama accepted the differing values and points of view of others and knows he must earn their respect as incoming president.
10. Reinforce your purpose and plans. Barack Obama spoke of reclaiming the American dream, of making change happen and will be forever associated with "yes we can" attitude.
Roy Saunderson, author of GIVING the Real Recognition Way is president of the Recognition Management Institute (www.realrecognition.com) which consults with companies on improving employee motivation leading to increased productivity and profits. He can be reached at RoySaunderson@realrecognition.com.
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