Recognition is a powerful tool in both business and life. Recognition is the fuel of our self-worth and many of us crave it above all else. At some level, we all want recognition. In fact, when we do something to receive recognition and none is forthcoming, we feel hurt. At this point, we are on a cross road and can respond in one of two basic ways. First, we can increase our efforts in the hopes to break the recognition threshold in others. Second, we can resort to finding fault in others as a way to elevate one's own internal feelings of self-worth.
Self-worth is like the expression we use to represent a fraction. The top part of a fraction is call the numerator and represents recognition. The bottom half is the denominator and reflects how we see the external world. If you add value to the numerator, the fraction gets larger. The same is true if you subtract value from the denominator. …show more content…
However, this behavior creates a vicious circle. When you express fault in others, they often respond in kind and express fault in you, which essentially subtracts from your recognition numerator.
On the other hand, we can work harder to gain the recognition we crave. However, there is a way to multiply the recognition numerator. Just like when someone attacks you and you respond in kind, when someone compliments you, most people feel an imbalance in their network deposits and feel a need to reciprocate so they say something nice in