How Recognition is Like Cookies

We’re going to talk extensively about recognition in Spark and how to use it at every Success Stage. Recognition is something that you can start before you even have a team. You can recognize your customers and hostesses, and we’re going to talk about the best ways to do that too.

In a lot of ways, recognition is like gratitude:

• It can’t be overused.
• No act is too small for a high five or a thank you.
• It has to be sincere.
• It is always about the person receiving it.
• It does just as much for the recipient as it does for the giver.
• It is most effective when it is done in the recipient’s love language.
• It reinforces behavior.
• It strengthens relationships.
• It’s good leadership.
• It’s addicting in the best possible way.

Recognition is also like cookies, the really good homemade kind. Once you have one, you want more. You figure out that you have to earn them, and you start doing more to get more. They fuel you to go for the bigger cookies. And you discover that your cookie jar is bottomless; it can never be too full.

However, the cookies in the jar can get stale. They have to be refreshed. If you feel like you deserve more cookies, but you’re not getting them, you might get a little resentful of the baker. Why isn’t she giving me cookies? What do I have to do to get some? I’m doing the same things I’ve always done, and I used to get cookies. Why aren’t I good enough anymore?

And this resentment grows if you think someone else is getting all of the cookies. Why is she getting cookies? What’s so great about her? Now you’re frustrated with the baker and the other cookie eaters.

Everyone loves cookies. Cookies might not be everyone’s favorite treat, but no one is going to refuse one even if it isn’t her favorite flavor.

Everyone loves recognition. Recognition might not be one of the main reasons everyone works her business, but no one is going to refuse to be recognized for her hard work.

Most direct sellers don’t have a lot of “bakers” in their lives. Their kids probably aren’t giving them awards for raising them to be amazing humans. No one is congratulating them on being the best shirt folder. And if they have a job, they are probably not getting very many cookies there either.

You get to be the baker for your team and customers. You have an endless supply of cookies that are both delicious and calorie-free. You have a huge variety of types so that you can give everyone her favorite. Hand them out generously.

Cheering for you,
Kelly