Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Best Known Performer

On June 6, 1954 Roger Bannister did something most people at the time thought was physically impossible; he ran the mile in less than 4 minutes (3 minutes 59.4 seconds). The world celebrated his success as the “miracle mile”. Bannister was celebrated on magazine covers, television and cereal boxes.
One month later it happened again. Bannister’s rival, John Landy of Australia, ran the mile in 3 minutes 58 seconds. The floodgate was now open; soon a sub-four mile became less of a miracle but the expectation of top runners. What had accelerated the pace? Recognition. Bannister’s achievement had shown the rest of the running world what was possible – with rewards and acclaim.
Recognition has similarly accelerated in the workplace. It gives employees a vision of the possible and the desire to reap rewards.
I will continue to show you how leaders can make an impact through recognition and reward in upcoming articles.

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