The psychology of winning: Why recognition matters now more than ever

Consider this: athletes often perform better when their fans cheer. Babies try to take more wobbles as their parents and guardians applaud their first steps. Students excel when instructors and their institutions celebrate their improvement.

Recognition and how it powers resilience and improvement are the constant factors in all three cases.

The psychology of winning and acknowledgement is not a mystery; science explains the power of recognition.

Recognition has an interesting relationship with our brain’s reward system—it triggers the release of dopamine, a hormone responsible for pleasure and motivation. When people are acknowledged for their contributions, they feel happy with themselves and are encouraged to repeat or even improve upon their accomplishments.

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a fundamental concept in psychology, demonstrates that recognition is a real human need. Appreciation can keep isolation at bay, nurture relationships, foster inclusion and create a sense of belonging, catering to our need for connection and community. With recognition comes respect from others and oneself. Celebrating award entrants and recipients can build a sense of competence and accomplishment, meeting esteem needs.

Regardless of the industry or space, appreciating people’s contributions has become a necessity in modern times. It can foster a vibrant culture, enhance performance and maintain excellence. Conversely, failing to acknowledge people can lead to “quiet quitting” in the workplace, regression and even resentment.

Wondering whether you should prioritise recognition in your organisation? Keep reading for insight into the psychology of winning, the impact of recognition on neurological pathways and why you should keep recognition front and centre today.

1. Loyalty

Recognition is crucial because it drives loyalty among employees, customers, association members and other types of award entrants. Public acknowledgement can boost oxytocin levels, enhancing emotional connections between individuals and the organisation. Similarly, it can make employees feel valued, compelling them to reciprocate by staying committed to the organisation.

Demonstrating gratitude and being generous with praise can instil a strong sense of ownership. This feeling of belonging among team members can enhance their dedication to the organisation or brand.

Recognition can also improve social reputation. Naturally, people want to maintain the social status they’ve earned; also, they might want to continue receiving any rewards that come with it. This loss aversion makes them less likely to leave the organisation.

2. Motivation and long-term success

Much like fanning glowing embers to roaring flames, recognition can convert single positive behaviours into continued excellence. When people receive praise and awards for their efforts, the human brain releases dopamine, which motivates them to repeat good behaviours and maintain high standards.

Additionally, positive reinforcement can be a powerful confidence booster. It can nurture belief in one’s ability to achieve defined goals and foster a growth mindset.

Organisations and teams where members are confident, encouraged to uphold certain standards and have high expectations of themselves will likely win in the long run. Also, structured awards and recognition programs can shape team culture and encourage a standard of excellence, ensuring the organisation performs well over time.

3. Finding validation and purpose

We have a core psychological need to feel valued. Also, we find meaning and purpose when we feel our lives contribute to something greater than ourselves. Appreciating people through recognition and awards signals that their efforts are valuable.

By confirming that their efforts have a positive impact, the acknowledgement reinforces a sense of meaning.

Recognition fuels identity confirmation, making people view themselves as competent in that area. What’s more, people who feel sufficiently recognised are likely to engage in prosocial behaviours such as coaching others. While this can reinforce personal fulfillment, it can equally translate to greater mentoring opportunities within organisations.

4. Happiness and stress relief

Awards and recognition promote feelings of happiness and stress relief in recipients. By activating the reward system, recognition reduces cortisol, lowering anxiety and stress. Awards activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which enhances relaxation and focus.

Authentic demonstration of gratitude boosts psychological safety, eliminating fear in high-pressure environments while maintaining positive emotions.

Recognition is not an obsolete concept; if anything, its relevance has only exploded in recent times. The science behind recognition driving loyalty, motivation, long-term success, happiness and purpose reveals that the human body and spirit thrive on acknowledgement. Start today to leverage recognition and let your community members or employees know their contributions are seen and valued.