Close out projects with closure.

Recognize others before you need to. During the initial team meeting for a new project, take a count of the individuals in the room, then pad the number by 50 percent. (Assume that each person in the room will have at least one person assisting them to complete their part of the project.) From day one, this group of hardworking individuals is already deserving of recognition.

Include everyone. Recognize everyone who played a role in your achievements. Picture this…you run into someone who contributed to your project and you think to yourself, "Shoot, I should’ve properly thanked them a long time ago". This person should have been on your “thank you” list—a running list of contributors as you work on your project. Make sure to include subject matter experts, team members, colleagues, vendors, and clients.

Spell out everyone’s contribution. Appreciation isn’t meant to be mass mailed like holiday cards. Team members may be pleasantly surprised when they receive recognition, but not so much when the message doesn’t highlight each person’s specific contribution.