17 December 2022
Last week, both in relation to happenings in the Solomon Islands and here in Bangkok where I live, I was reminded of the importance of receiving recognition for accomplishments and mindful of how recognition is seemingly lacking in several aspects at home in the Solomons.
Let me start, however, by sharing with you a small incident that gave me some personal satisfaction of having tried to help others when I worked as a volunteer English teacher in Bangkok after leaving the Solomon Islands and after attaining retirement age of 65 yrs.
Last Wednesday while attending a local hospital and waiting amongst many patients to see their particular doctor, in my case my oncologist, I lady walked past where I was then sitting in the large hospital waiting area and stopped after walking a short distance, turned back and approached me saying in perfect English, “My teacher, Frank, are you sick.” Do you remember teaching me English now several years ago?” I had to be honest and say I couldn’t remember her name or the place where I had conducted the teaching. She add to remind me, but added, ‘’its ok my teacher I have never forgotten you”
It was a very pleasant surprise and although not feeling too well at the time it was a boost to my morale and helped me to know my teaching accomplishments had aided that lady.
The encounter got me to think about recognition more generally and I guess that, deep down, all wish in some way to be recognised for achievements accomplished along life’s way, but from experience it rarely happens.
Prime Minister Sogavare in Parliament last week, took time to thank his Ministerial colleagues for their work, which I thought a nice gesture, and there was news of a renewed partnership with the European Union (EU) to further assist the people with disabilities in the Solomon Islands, with guarantees of assistance.
The Opposition Leader, the Hon. Matthew Wale spoke out about the inadequacies in the local health system, and there are inadequacies that I see too and have often written about, but it occurs to me whether some better recognition is not needed as a motivator for the many doctors and nurses at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
I say this because; recognition helps to engage employees to boost self esteem and personal competency.
Motivation is a huge factor in employee engagement. When it comes to motivators, recognition is one of the best ways to improve employee engagement in an organization, including at the NRH.
When employees are recognized for their contributions to the organization, they feel a sense of ownership and will continue to perform at high levels.
As Solomon Islands leaders, it should be concerning that more recognition is given to young leaders in the community, as I pointed out in another of my stories published in the local media and on Linkedin last week.
Nation building still needs much work in the Solomon Islands and there are many, and I would like to think myself included, trying hard to achieve it and recognition by way of support will show it is appreciated especially if it’s done authentically.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
