Recognition is Rewarding
The desire for validation is one of the deepest human needs. Everyone wants to know they are a valued member of an organization, has done an outstanding job or has achieved a certain degree of success in sports, academics, business, or another field of endeaver.
Giving recognition is therefore one of the most powerful means of rewarding effort, saying thank you, providing a sense of belonging to something important, building loyalty, and encouraging positive performance. Most people will agree, being recognized for anything, whether its accomplishing a goal, making the sale, completing a successful season of soccer, getting an A on an exam for making the effort - is an excellent feeling, one that lasts for a long time.
This need to feel honored is as old as time. As industrial psychologist Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs illustrates people need motivation and encouragement on both their paths of personal and professional growth.