How to give shoutouts without upsetting your team like a leader, not a manager

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.

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The Thought

Did you know... Teams with frequent, specific recognition are 31% more productive and 23% more engaged, according to Gallup. Recognition isn’t just “nice”—it drives real results and loyalty.

Quote: “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins

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The Tip

  1. Recognize behavior, not favorites – Highlight specific actions that align with team values (ownership, collaboration, initiative).

  2. Spread recognition broadly – Include peer-to-peer shoutouts and cross-functional acknowledgment to avoid perception of favoritism.

  3. Make it personal and public – Use handwritten notes, team meetings, or LinkedIn kudos to show the impact of their contribution.

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The Tool

Short Video: Watch how to give shoutouts that inspire, engage, and avoid resentment. Learn practical ways to highlight actions, surface hidden wins, and celebrate your team authentically.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn

Or watch other CLA videos here: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram

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Leadership Question of the week…

Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.

What keeps you excited and engaged in your role? 

How can we ignite or replicate that across the team? 

How can I or the team support these efforts?

 

Activity of the week…

Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.

Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here

 

Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools. 

Spark dialogue with your team.

Ignite engagement.

These activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!

-> Digital download: Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.

Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 

-> Want the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!

-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.

Thank you for leading like a coach out there!

-Dwight

 

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Thank you for leading out there and making an impact. We’re here to help when the time comes.

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