Accepting Recognition
“People usually work for money, but they often put in extra effort when they get recognized, praised, or rewarded.” — Dale Carnegie
One thing I struggle with is acknowledging when I’ve done well and deserve some recognition.
You might be wondering, “Why wouldn’t you take credit for what you’ve earned?” Well, it’s not that I refuse to accept recognition; I just don’t always make it known when I deserve some acknowledgment.
I’ve never been great at talking about my own achievements. It’s just not my style. I know it’s different from what most people do—they often take credit for things they didn’t really do. But I’ve always tried to avoid that. The thing is, by not bragging, I sometimes miss out on the recognition I deserve for what I’ve actually accomplished.
In a recent meeting with my new manager, they asked, “What do you do when you travel?” My response was straightforward: “I chat with the drivers about their work hours and figure out the challenges they’re facing. This way, I can understand the actual problems we’re dealing with out in the field.”
What I really meant to say was, “When I travel, I make an effort to connect with each driver, understanding their worries and finding ways to assist. Spending time with them on-site helps me see firsthand the challenges they face with rules and policies. I prefer involving the field employees in brainstorming solutions to the issues we uncover. Once we’ve got a few ideas, I bring them up in a laid-back meeting with the division managers.”
While I’m out in the field, I use the time to provide important training for the drivers. I cover essential things like Hours of Service, Telogis, and other DOT-related information that they might not be aware of.
When I’m out in the field, I get to check out their equipment and how well they maintain it. If there are any problems, I deal with them right there on the job site. I’ve come across various issues, from serious ones like employees driving company vehicles without authorization to simpler things. Without visiting these job sites, we wouldn’t have caught these problems until law enforcement stepped in.
Lastly, I make an effort to build relationships. It pays off because when I need something from that division in the future, they’re more likely to lend a hand. Plus, if they have
questions, they’re more inclined to give me a call. These are just a few things on my checklist when I’m on the road.
Which answer do you prefer? Definitely the second one! It explains exactly what I’m doing and what I’m trying to achieve when I’m out there. It gives me the credit I deserve for what’s really happening.
Why didn’t I mention that in the meeting? Who knows. The important thing now is figuring out how to solve the problem. I’ve started using these 5 simple steps to help me out.
I make it a habit to pray before, during, and after my conversations. Asking God for guidance in my talks has made a huge difference. Instead of regretting what I didn’t say after a conversation, I now feel confident that it went just the way it was supposed to.
Practice genuine listening. I’ve been working on this for a while. Often, when someone speaks, we’re just thinking about our reply. My suggestion is to hear the entire question, take a deep breath, and then respond. If I try to form my answer while they’re still talking, I might miss a crucial part of the question. Plus, they might be acknowledging something I’ve done, and I could miss it if I’m not really tuned in.
Pause and take a deep breath. I do this before answering a question. It helps me organize my thoughts and make sure I give myself the credit I deserve.
Keep it real. I never exaggerate my answers. If I’m not doing something, I won’t pretend I am. But if I am, I will make sure to share all the details.
Share it all. Even if I think it’s not a big deal, I still mention it. That tiny detail could be what makes me stand out from my colleagues. Better yet, it might inspire a great idea in someone on the team.
Own your achievements without being boastful. It doesn’t mean you brag all the time or take over every meeting to showcase every little detail. When asked, don’t shy away from the truth. You might be surprised at how much recognition you already have from what others have seen you achieve. Remember, you’re not THE team; you’re a crucial part of the team!
Thanks
Have a Blessed Day
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