As officers, you set the pace, the plan and the feel for your chapter. It's understandable that most of your focus is directed to managing your HOSA chapter's Plan of Work. As a result some of the hard work performed by your members is going unrecognized. Planned spontaneous recognition is a technique to allow to you to consistently and effectively provide feedback to your members.
Spotting healthy and effective actions can be difficult. As officers we are good at catching the bad stuff, but the good stuff? We expect it!
So to provide recognition you need to actively think about observing positive occurrences in your HOSA chapter. Consciously decide to pick out three good activities each week. Then recognize the member for doing one of those positive actions. To the member, it seems like an off the cuff remark. In reality you, as their officer, have made a conscious decision to observe and recognize positive behavior. You will find that as you focus on "the what members are doing right," rather that "the wrongs," there will be a shift in attitude. You will notice members becoming more involved, discussing more and being more helpful. Why? Because it feels so good!
Here are a few suggestions to help get you moving in the right direction:
- Prepare and distribute a certificate of appreciation.
- Decorate lockers or bulletin boards with posters expressing appreciation to your members and listing their names.
- Have a special gathering to honor your members. Ideas include a chapter pizza party, potluck, sundae bar, sub sandwiches, popcorn machine, or a decorated cake.
- Take your member to eat off school grounds, if possible.
- Prepare "care packages" or “State Leadership Conference Survival Kits” to give to members, with popcorn, trail mix, fruit, pens, sticky notes, etc.
- Send handwritten or electronic thank-you notes to members, letting them know you value them. Or have officers sign a thank-you card for each member.
- Make "pat on the back" awards by tracing an outline of a hand on paper, making copies, and writing a personal note on each that tells why the member deserves a pat on the back.
- Create a fun special project for your members (e.g., theme decorations for the classroom).
- Present “Good Egg Awards.” Buy plastic eggs, fill with goodies, and give out with “Good Egg Certificates” listing what the member did to deserve the award.
- Present awards for special categories (Best Fund-Raiser, HOSA Spirit Awards, Best HOSA Volunteer, etc.).
- Honor your member with a round of applause in your chapter meeting.
- Take a few moments to say thank you!
In 2013, Taylor Swift knew that she was to receive Country Music's Pinnacle Award. What she didn't know was HOW she'd be recognized. Through the efforts of many of her cherished colleagues, Taylor was surprised and moved by the thoughtful presentation. This example demonstrates that sincere recognition may take time and effort, but when it's deserved, it's worth it. Let this video help you get you on your way to recognizing your HOSA members…
