What is the most creative “thank you” you’ve ever given or received in a work setting? Have you ever wondered why the Queen of England knighted Paul McCartney of the Beatles? What would it mean if your photo essay in a weekly newspaper won the Pulitzer Prize? Would you go to kindergarten if your daughter won Student of the Month? How much trouble was it to get all the thank you notes written for graduation or wedding gifts? Do you bristle with cynicism when management rewards people you don’t particularly admire as “employee of the month” because the person can bully folks into meeting department production goals?

Step 2 Research.
Go to the library, stop in a bookstore, or use your favorite search engine to generate ideas. Use keywords such as “employee performance,” “national recognition,” “international awards,” “recognition ideas,” or “awards programs” for ideas that express appreciation.

Step 3 Write a report.
Write 1-2 page APA formatted paper that includes the following:

Imagine how different leaders respond after a crisis situation such as the immediate days after a Level 4 hurricane. Describe how leaders react based on their leadership style. How do responders show appreciation to folks involved? Do they expect special recognition?
Compare those kinds of awards and recognition for a crisis response to the ways different leaders and supervisors might show appreciation for every day “just doing my job” situations, such as working overtime or mentoring a new employee? What motivates you to say thank you? How and when do you show appreciation?