EP 160 | Recognition That Actually Resonates | Dr. Meghan Waldron

2025-11-09

How are you recognizing the people on your team—based on what YOU think they need, or what THEY actually want? What if the recognition you're giving is missing the mark entirely because you never asked? Transform your approach to appreciation and watch retention soar on this episode of the Work Positive Podcast with Dr. Joey Faucette and Dr. Meghan Waldron. Dr. Meghan brings her unique perspective from straddling K-12 education, higher education, and small business ownership to reveal why intentional recognition matters more than you think. Listen as Dr. M...

How are you recognizing the people on your team—based on what YOU think they need, or what THEY actually want? What if the recognition you're giving is missing the mark entirely because you never asked? Transform your approach to appreciation and watch retention soar on this episode of the Work Positive Podcast with Dr. Joey Faucette and Dr. Meghan Waldron. Dr. Meghan brings her unique perspective from straddling K-12 education, higher education, and small business ownership to reveal why intentional recognition matters more than you think. Listen as Dr. Meghan explores:

☀️ Why relationships are the foundation of whether people stay or leave your organization
☀️ The hidden burnout epidemic facing educators and helping professionals today
☀️ How technology overload creates compassion fatigue even in passion-driven roles
☀️ The transformative power of asking people how they want to be recognized
☀️ Simple ways to differentiate appreciation just like great teachers differentiate learning

Dr. Meghan transforms how leaders think about employee recognition by proving that customized appreciation creates cultures where people truly belong and want to stay.

🔑 Key Insight: "I think it's really important to ask intentionally how people want to be recognized. A lot of times we think people want monetary recognition, more contracts, more responsibility. But their answers were things like: 'I just want a text to say that I'm doing a good job' or 'Can you just let me know that I'm on track.'"

💡 Your DOT (Do One Thing): Ask each person on your team this week: "How do you prefer to be recognized for your contributions?" Then honor their answer. Stop assuming one-size-fits-all appreciation works.

Connect with Dr. Meghan Waldron:

Visit Smart Solutions VA at smartsolutionsva.com
Connect with Dr. Meghan on LinkedIn
Discover educational resources and insights on personalized learning

#Recognition #EmployeeAppreciation #WorkCulture #TeacherBurnout #Belonging #EducationLeadership #WorkPositive

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