How do you recognize and appreciate the contributions and achievements of cross-team collaborators?

1 Why recognition matters

Recognition is not only a nice gesture, but also a powerful motivator and a source of feedback. When you recognize someone for their cross-team collaboration, you are telling them that you value their skills, efforts, and results. You are also reinforcing the behaviors and outcomes that you want to see more of in your organization. Recognition can boost morale, engagement, trust, and loyalty among cross-team collaborators, as well as foster a culture of learning and growth.

2 How to recognize cross-team collaborators

When it comes to recognition, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as different people may prefer different types and levels of appreciation. However, some general principles can help you craft effective and sincere recognition messages for cross-team collaborators. To start, be specific and timely when expressing your gratitude. Mention the specific actions, behaviors, or outcomes that impressed you and how they contributed to the team or organization's goals. Additionally, be personal and authentic in your message. Use your own words and tone, and show that you know them as an individual and care about their interests, strengths, and aspirations. Lastly, be proportionate and appropriate with your recognition. Match the level of recognition to the significance of the collaboration, and consider the preferences and personalities of your recipients when deciding whether to give public or private praise or tangible rewards.

3 How to celebrate cross-team collaboration

Recognition is not the only way to appreciate cross-team collaboration. You can also celebrate the achievements and milestones of cross-team collaborators by creating opportunities for them to share their stories, learn from each other, and have fun together. For example, host a showcase or demo day where they can present their work and its benefits to a wider audience. Invite them to a social event or team-building activity to relax, bond, and enjoy each other's company. Additionally, offer learning and development opportunities like courses, workshops, mentors, or events to help them grow their skills and networks. Recognize their potential, support their goals, and empower them to take on new challenges.

4 How to receive recognition and celebration

As a cross-team collaborator, it is important to accept and appreciate the recognition and celebration that comes your way. To do so gracefully, express your gratitude, share the credit with your collaborators, and reflect and learn from the experience. Thank the person who recognized you sincerely and warmly, acknowledging the contributions of your team. Use the recognition as an opportunity to reflect on your strengths, areas of improvement, and goals. Seek feedback, ask questions, and look for ways to grow. Show that you value your collaborators' partnership, input, and work. Doing so will help you make the most out of every recognition and celebration.

5 How to foster a culture of recognition and celebration

Recognition and celebration of cross-team collaboration should not be a one-time event or a top-down initiative, but rather embedded in the everyday practices and norms of your organization. To foster this culture, you should set clear and shared expectations, communicate the purpose and goals, define roles and responsibilities, establish criteria and metrics for measuring success, provide ongoing feedback and support, recognize efforts and achievements, and encourage peer-to-peer recognition. Create channels and platforms for team members to share their appreciation, stories, and learnings while modeling and rewarding the behaviors that promote recognition and celebration.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?