Why Praise Is Your Secret Weapon: The Science of Recognition and Achievement

Think back to the last time someone praised your work. Chances are, it made your day—and maybe even inspired you to do more. In Big Potential, Shawn Achor reveals that praise isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a science-backed tool for unlocking motivation, engagement, and collective achievement.

Teams that democratize praise—recognizing everyone’s contributions, not just the obvious stars—see higher performance, better retention, and greater innovation. The reason is simple: praise acts like a prism, multiplying when shared. When you celebrate others, you inspire them to reach higher, and you create a culture where achievement is shared, not hoarded. Yet, studies show that 31% of employees haven’t received meaningful recognition in the past year—a huge missed opportunity for growth 1 3 .

Spotlighting the right behaviors—collaboration, creativity, kindness—reinforces those values throughout your team. When praise flows freely, people are more willing to take risks, offer new ideas, and support one another. The cycle becomes self-sustaining: praise fuels effort, effort earns praise, and the group’s potential expands.

If you want to unlock hidden resources in your team or organization, start by recognizing the unseen contributors. Celebrate small wins, thank people for their effort, and make praise a daily habit. The science is clear: the more you give, the more you—and everyone around you—will achieve.