What are the best practices for designing and distributing cross functional team recognition cards?

Cross functional team recognition cards are a simple and effective way to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your team members across different departments, projects, or roles. They can help boost morale, foster collaboration, and celebrate diversity in your organization. In this article, we will share some best practices for designing and distributing cross functional team recognition cards.

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1 Choose a clear and consistent format

The first step is to decide on a format for your recognition cards. You can use physical cards, digital cards, or a combination of both. The format should be easy to access, use, and store for your team members. You should also choose a consistent design, layout, and tone for your cards. You can use your company's branding, colors, and logo, or create a unique theme for your cross functional team recognition cards. The cards should be visually appealing, concise, and professional.

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Donald F. Martin, Jr. P.G., PMP

Senior Project/Program Executive Driving Operational Efficiency and Growth
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In my experience the most impactful cards are simple hand written cards, that you take the time and make the effort to be personal, appreciative, and sincere in writing. It takes a little effort, but the effort is the point, and it shows that it is important.

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Diamantino A.

Senior Engineering Manager | Platform & DevOps Leader | Cloud Infrastructure | Secure Systems | Scaling Teams & Culture | Leadership & Career Coach | Open to Advisory Roles
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The use of recognition cards within cross-functional teams is essential to ensure that team members can provide recognition with minimal barriers to entry. In addition, having several consistent ways of giving credit via cards is critical. However, before distributing the cards, it's crucial to establish best practices and examples on how to write and broadcast the cards to all team members, regardless of their location. Even if a company doesn't have the means to print bespoke cards, simple cards can still be provided as long as they follow best practices and are easy to read, even handwritten. It's essential to deliver a well-executed feedback training session to show the importance and value of recognition impartially and constructively.

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2 Write specific and sincere messages

The next step is to write the messages for your recognition cards. The messages should be specific, sincere, and personalized. You should mention the name of the person you are recognizing, the cross functional team they belong to, and the reason for your recognition. You should also use positive and encouraging language, and avoid generic or vague praise. For example, instead of writing "Great job on the project", you could write "Your creativity and expertise in marketing really helped our project succeed".

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Diamantino A.

Senior Engineering Manager | Platform & DevOps Leader | Cloud Infrastructure | Secure Systems | Scaling Teams & Culture | Leadership & Career Coach | Open to Advisory Roles
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Positive language is crucial to create effective recognition cards, and negative words like "but" should be avoided. Writing a longer message and condensing it while keeping it simple is also important. SMART criteria can help achieve the intended purpose. Creating a conducive environment for writing thoughtful letters is necessary by ensuring a safe, quiet place and avoiding rushed notes without constructive feedback. This helps reinforce positive behaviours and actions effectively.

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3 Distribute the cards regularly and publicly

The final step is to distribute your recognition cards to your team members. You should do this regularly and publicly, to create a culture of appreciation and recognition in your organization. You can distribute your cards in person, via email, or on a shared platform, such as a team chat or a bulletin board. You should also make sure to acknowledge the recipients of the cards in front of their peers, managers, or clients, to amplify their impact and visibility. You can also encourage your team members to nominate or recognize each other, to foster a sense of community and collaboration.

Cross functional team recognition cards are a simple and effective way to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your team members across different departments, projects, or roles. They can help boost morale, foster collaboration, and celebrate diversity in your organization. By following these best practices, you can design and distribute cross functional team recognition cards that will make your team members feel valued and motivated.

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Diamantino A.

Senior Engineering Manager | Platform & DevOps Leader | Cloud Infrastructure | Secure Systems | Scaling Teams & Culture | Leadership & Career Coach | Open to Advisory Roles
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Previously, I worked with a team that utilized a bot to send fun and professional email messages through collaborative tools. This approach helped to streamline communication and ensure consistent delivery of important information. Additionally, we incorporated with the career development plan to support employees' growth and progress within the organization.

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What are the best practices for designing and distributing cross functional team recognition cards?

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1 Choose a clear and consistent format

2 Write specific and sincere messages

3 Distribute the cards regularly and publicly

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