What does real employee recognition look like, and why do so many leaders still get it wrong? In today’s Leadership Spark, I explore how one emotional moment completely changed a leader’s definition of what it means to acknowledge and value your people. We talk about the silent cost of unspoken appreciation, why recognition should never be a top-down policy, and how small, authentic gestures can create lasting cultural change. If you think saying “thank you” is optional, you’ll change your mind after hearing this episode.

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This episode is sponsored by Workhuman:

AI without purpose doesn’t serve people. It’s why many companies have tried, and few have succeeded.

Workhuman is one of them. With the groundbreaking release of Human Intelligence, Workhuman combines AI with real recognition data to help leaders do right by their people, and their organization.

It’s how you spot burnout before it leads to turnover. Or discover hidden strengths before they’re overlooked. It’s how you build a culture that’s not only productive—but sustainable. That’s what future-ready leadership looks like.

Learn more at Workhuman.com and see how Human Intelligence is helping the most forward-thinking companies lead with insight, empathy, and impact.

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