Recognition is not a perfunctory procedure as followed in most organizations today. It is something very vital that nurtures the growth of the employees and the organization. The organizations call it using many names and colours - RnR meet, Rewards & Recognition ceremony etc. - but most lack the spirit!
There is an incident from the Mahabharata that illustrates this beautifully.
One evening, almost at sunset, a poor man came to Yudhishtra (Dharma) for some financial help.
Feeling pity, he called his minister to get some money to give it to the poor man.
The minister said that the lamps have been lit in the evening and reminded Yudhishtra of the custom that one should not give money, gold and a few other items after the lamps have been lit. The custom is not to blame, there are exceptions.
However, Yudhishtra heeding to his minister's reminder, told the poor man to come tomorrow morning promising to provide all the help the poor man needed.
Bhima, who was watching all this, suddenly went around capering and shouting out in joy.
"I am very happy, my brother has become immortal and has won death! My brother is immortal!"
Seeing the odd behaviour of Bhima, Yudhishtra was a bit amused and confused. He called Bhima and asked him why he acted that way?
Bhima replied, "Oh, my dear brother, everything in this world is uncertain. Someone existing this moment might not exist the very next minute, anything can happen in between because of uncertainty. But, you were so sure that you will help the poor man tomorrow morning. If you can be so sure that you will exist tomorrow morning, then it implies you have won time and you are immortal"
Yudhishtra felt that Bhima had struck the nail right on its head, realized his mistake, and provided money for the poor man right away.
Recognition can be equated on similar terms. It has to be provided then and there or, probably, within a short span of time, maybe, a day or two but not more. It need not be monetary too, just a quick gathering among the team on the office floor and recognizing the effort and achievement of the team member(s) would work wonders. But it definitely can never be a month after or at the end of the year, except for some cases.
Like the old quote goes for justice, the same applies to recognition - Recognition delayed is recognition denied!
Image Credits: Pixabay