The Power of Recognition: A Journey of Validation in the Workplace

Today, I found myself overcome with emotion during my performance review, and I think it’s a moment worth sharing. After 1.4 years at my current company, I am on the verge of a promotion to a senior position. While my work has consistently received positive feedback—everyone acknowledges my dedication and output—I’ve struggled to forge deep connections with my colleagues.

A significant part of my experience this past year included working on an Audit with a team located elsewhere. Transitioning into this role was challenging since I was still familiarizing myself with the industry. However, through diligent research and by reviewing past projects, I managed to contribute effectively.

Today, I received an unexpected Teams message from the director of that Audit. To my surprise, he expressed a desire to write me a review, highlighting my performance and dedication. This was a notable departure from my typical experience; despite consistently delivering quality work, I had never been approached by anyone for feedback or recognition in such a personal manner.

At 28 years old, I’ve held various positions where I excelled, yet never before had someone reached out to commend my efforts so directly. The kind words he shared about my work ethic and output resonated deeply, especially in contrast to the silence I’ve experienced from my immediate team over the past two years.

As I reflected on this unexpected praise, I found myself teary-eyed. I worried that it seemed trivial to cry over a job-related acknowledgment, but this instance represented more than just feedback. It was a reminder that my contributions are valued, particularly during a time when performance evaluations are on many people’s minds. I had been anxious about not receiving a review, and somehow, this moment of validation felt like a manifestation of my hard work and resilience.

So, here’s the takeaway: it’s perfectly natural to feel emotional about recognition in the workplace. It validated not just my efforts, but my desire to connect and be appreciated within my professional community. Do I still feel vulnerable? Yes. But I’ve learned that these moments of acknowledgment can profoundly impact our careers and self-esteem.

In essence, it’s important to cherish these interactions and remind ourselves that our work matters and we are capable of making a difference, even in ways we don’t always recognize.