No matter the name—a Kudos file, a brag book, attaboys—it’s important to keep track of positive feedback and praise at work.
You are awesome, and when people tell you that—from a quick thanks for doing your assigned tasks well to acing a huge project that got the company a new client or saved money—keeping those reminders handy is important.
Reasons to have such file include:
- Filling out performance reviews
- Reminding you during the rough times of your true abilities and achievements
- Easier to leverage into an ask (for example, more-money, responsibility, time off, promotion, etc.)
I came to having a praise file around the time I was 30 out of necessity. A lot of changes—both to my job responsibilities and the structure of my department—were happening. As a result, I was asked to provide reviews and highlights of my job performance more often. Because it felt difficult or incremental to come up with something, i began a file of positive emails I received from which to reference.
Tracking Praise
The easiest way for me to keep track of praise was to create an email file folder where I would include emails that included positive feedback, and documenting when and why things were difficult that affected my performance.
Where and how you keep this information depends on your workflow and preference. If most of your communication is done via email, it might make the most sense to create a folder within it. If you’re using more collaborative tools—Microsoft OneDrive, Slack or Google Docs, among others—that might be the place to collect everything. Even printing things off and putting them in a physical folder is best if that’s your style.
Why Have a Kudos File?
Your company does (not) have performance reviews.
The most obvious reason to have a file with positive reviews and information is for performance reviews. You don’t have to think back, perhaps forgetting a compliment or when an event happened. It could make it quicker to reference items for your review.
If you get into the habit of adding things into the file as you receive them, you will be able to call them up and reference them right away in preparation for your review.
Conversely, if your company does not have reviews, this file can serve as a place to remember what you have done well in the past and provide feedback.
You’re having a bad day (or week, month, etc.).
We all go through rough patches in down times at work. It might last one afternoon or it might be a longer stretch during a trying and difficult time. Referencing your praise file can help lift your spirits in instances like this.
When you’re in a funk or need a pick-me-up, log into your file and scroll through. Even a small burst of happiness and confidence is important. Everyone should be reminded that you are appreciated and that people care for what you do and contribute at work.
Leverage it to ask for more.
When you want something more from work, your praise file is a good starting point when looking for talking points to make your case.
Whether it’s more money or responsibilities, a promotion, or even a new job outside of your current employer, having the talking points of what you have done well will help. Showing that you have been recognized for the skills and capabilities needed to go to the next level is critical.
You can incorporate it into an interview, talking points, resume or elevator pitch. Speak with confidence about your abilities, referencing specific instances and responses from people. You are in charge of your own development, and this will help.
Give Praise at Work
Praise is a two-way street. Don’t forget to give it as well whether it’s to appear or someone above or below you. This will only make you look and feel better and help with being a team player and collaboration.
