TMI MICE values companies that invest in actions and seek the engagement of their teams through recognition and, to understand the factors that lead to this and how to do it best, we spoke to partner Magali Lopes, Psychologist and Executive Coach, expert in group dynamics focusing on Human and Organizational Development to tell us from her professional perspective, how we can improve our communication and achieve this daily engagement.

Much is said in the corporate world about engagement, motivation and happy associates. However, what really drives them to these factors is not talked about. In each individual, there is a need and, with each listening to that individual, the search for recognition is confirmed.  And this is not something recent but inherent in the human being.

“I was able to prove this in the research I conducted in a big company in which I was reevaluating the process of associates’ recognition, and with it I could get answers from managers and non-managers, which surprised me! Contrary to what the company imagined, salary was the third item mentioned as a form of associates’ recognition. The item that appeared to be paramount was associates being recognized for their individual technical skills by their peers or managers. The human being is born with this need to be seen, to be perceived, is a basic necessity of any individual,” says Magali.

But what are these needs? They are the most important things to us. What makes our world more wonderful, what makes us put ourselves in the world the happiest we can be, that is, what is truer for each one. The most important factor for team engagement is recognition. It is looking at each professional and seeing what each one needs, what makes them belong to that reality.

How can we recognize different people with the same experience?

You can’t always engage or motivate everyone on your team. It is important that this is clear, so that there is no frustrations on both sides. We know that needs are different for each person. Even though the needs of human beings are basic, we can say that they are different at times in life. A woman who has just had a baby may want to rest, connect with her family and perhaps time is important at this time; a father who just renovated the house might want encouragement, self-responsibility, predictability, and a cash value to ease his bills, or a young executive who is interested in adventure, discovery, inspiration, may prefer a reward with courses or trips. However, I reinforce the importance that all needs of associates or groups are perceived and seen.

Recognition may not be in the award, but simply in the look or in a frank and sincere conversation.  For this, you need to relate to people. Scholars at Oxford University in Europe reinforce three factors that help us build trust in people or groups:

Credibility – which is about realizing the skill, competence and expertise that exist in the other;

Reliability – which is about the degree to which we deliver what we promise, and the predictability of our moods and emotions;

Intimacy – which is to maintain a closer relationship with the person.

This proves that recognition can be seen not only in awards but also at moments provided by the company to pursue this credibility, establish trust and strengthen intimacy by knowing and looking more closely at each individual. Moreover, when individuals feel seen and a sense of belonging, they work happier and more engaged, feel more confidence in their bosses and teams in which they are involved.

Group experience and perception can bring unexpected results to the company that is aware of this fact and that knows how to capture the essence of those involved in each action.  Using intelligence of recognition actions as a factor of engagement.

Therefore, we from TMI MICE believe that one should not only think about how to reward their engaged associates, but how to provide experiences that will bring – in their view – the credibility, reliability and intimacy that spark true engagement of each of them! When that is done, there is nothing that will shake this relationship! Bet on it!

We hope our expert tips have been helpful to you! Keep following our BLOG and keep updated with the market news, important tips and especially the exclusive information that we will always bring from partners, such as the interviewee on this topic!

Best regards,

Rodrigo Fragoso | CEO

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Image by Chang Duong via Unsplash