Pizza Isn't Recognition: How to FUEL Your Team

Growing up, I roamed around my grandfather’s used car lot. I never imagined that one day my business would be built around a Company CAR acronym, but boy, does it make sense.

A CAR is a powerful machine. So is your team. They can make or break the business. But for many of us, we do not take the time to get to know the people driving that CAR.

I have always been a little different, perhaps because I started as an entry-level associate or because I am the oldest of five siblings; regardless of why, I have always been empathetic to people and their needs and a little more people-first focused.

Throughout my corporate career, my passion for supporting associates sometimes hindered my growth potential. I came to be known as an associate whisperer. And that is not always a good thing.

Company CAR is better than pizza

After more than 20 years as a people leader and talking to thousands of associates, I knew something for certain: The company does not run if you do not take care of your team. When I looked at the engagement surveys, stay and exit interviews, and never-ending one-on-ones, it became clear.

Communication is the engine of the Company CAR. Without it, the company does not move. Accountability is the steering system that keeps associates and leaders in the right lane and moving in the right direction. And finally, recognition. This is the one we forget at work and in life. Recognition is the FUEL of any business and, quite honestly, life too. We thrive on positive reinforcement.

Now, I know what you are thinking."But I buy my team pizza once a month, isn’t that recognition?" Let’s be honest who doesn't love when pizza shows up at work on a Friday? Gooey, cheesy, calorie-loaded happiness is hard to argue with.

But ask yourself this: Does that pizza make me feel seen? Heard? Valued? Does it tell me that my individual contribution mattered this week? Probably not.

If your team just crushed a major goal and you celebrate with pizza, prizes, and a party, that's different. You are celebrating an accomplishment together. But if you are a new business owner, hear this: Your team wants to feel seen, heard, valued, and recognized. Pizza on a random Friday will never accomplish that.

FUEL your team with recognition

So how do you actually FUEL your team?

F is for Future Opportunities

Your associates want opportunities to learn, grow, and do more. Do not assume someone is happy staying exactly where they are. Ask them what they want to learn and where they see themselves going.

U is for Understand Your Associate

Do you know what they like and dislike? What are they good at? What do they struggle with? One-on-ones are critical here. I promise you, having a tough conversation with someone you know is always a bit easier than with someone you barely know.

E is for Everyday Recognition

If Sally is late four out of five days, do not ignore the one day she gets there on time. Recognize it. “Sally, I noticed you were here on time today. I know it is a challenge to get here with the morning routine you have at home with your family. I just wanted you to know I noticed and appreciate it, and I am sure your peers do too.” We are much more likely to repeat behavior that gets recognized.

L is for Lead by Example

This one is huge. We all get frustrated when it feels like we care more than our team. But why would they care if they are not part of the process? Take them along for the ride. If there is a problem, they may already have the solution. And do not expect behaviors from your team that you are unwilling to demonstrate yourself. You cannot consistently show up late and then get upset with your team for doing the same. Sometimes, leading by example means getting right in there and doing the work alongside your team. Show them exactly what you expect.

Make your team feel seen

So, the next time you are stressed or frustrated with your team, stop and check your Company CAR. Is your engine running? Is your steering system working? And most importantly, are you giving your team the FUEL they need?

Try something simple this week. Send someone a handwritten thank-you note to their home for something they did that genuinely meant something to you. Make it personal.

Years later, I still have a book filled with reminders from one of my former bosses that I am awesome. I kept it because it made me feel seen. And that is what great leadership does. It makes people feel seen.

Related article by Pamela Fritz:

What Is Your Team Saying About You at the Dinner Table?