Recognition

We all need recognition in one way or another. Why do I say so? Recognition, to me, is not some material prices such as a gift or a certificate; instead I am referring to a kind of motivation which drives me to excel myself in the next task. For school pupils, he/she needs to work hard and eventually their report cards showing their good performances over time will naturally become a kind of reward or recognition. For adults, he/she may not really want praise or some material awards when they have done well. What they really want, I reckon, is a sort of recognition which is to testify their high quality work or professionalism. Recognition, so to speak, sometimes, is even more significant than pay rise or promotion though I am not saying that we don't care about promotional prospects if there are any.

Yesterday, the deputy department head and the team leader of one PD course of the department invited me to join the team again as the team leader said my teaching was rated very high both by the participants and EDB. My first reaction was excited, despite not moved to tears and obviously this is a kind of recognition of my work no matter how challenging it is. I was happy not because I am vain, but I would say if people recognize my hard work and professionalism, it is a reward already and much more superior than anything in the world. There is no need to be granted a trophy, a recommendation letter or a present!