For recognition to be fully effective, it should exhibit several characteristics:
- It must be earned or deserved; if it isn't, it will immediately be seen as flattery or manipulation.
- It should be consistent. Inconsistent recognition confuses recipients, and unequal recognition comes across as favoritism.
- It must be timely. Much of the value of day-to-day recognition lies in its immediacy. Personalized, spur-of-the-moment recognition is highly valued.