HBR Guide to Leading Teams (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 10

Give People Recognition

Even in team environments, recognition remains one of the top four human motivators (along with the need for achievement, control, and a sense of belonging).

It’s relatively easy to recognize the full team for good task work, such as meeting goals and hitting deadlines, or for exemplary behavior, such as conducting a difficult feedback session constructively. It can be harder, in a team setting, to recognize individuals for their good work or behaviors. Teams are based on collaboration, equity, and fairness. How can you give individuals their due while fostering the cohesiveness that comes when everyone works toward the same goals and follows the same rules?

The Japanese proverb, “The nail that sticks up gets ...