About half a year back, we did a survey conducted by the company. The purpose was to find out how engaged we were with the bank. One of the questions which I remembered vividly was "Were you praised in the last 7 days?" My answer was definitely a NO. Personally, I have not heard my colleagues and bosses praising each other. I only remembered an occasion when K (my big boss) was on leave and J (my small boss) was supposed to cover her in signing one of the most important reports of the department which was prepared by me. J seldom deals with this report and she needs to read through it in order to handle any questions from my big big boss, who can ask anything at anytime. After reading through, J came up to me and asked me some questions like where I got this information etc. After her round of asking, she said I did a very good job and asked me to keep it up! This is the only one time I remembered hearing someone praised me.

Recently, K had done a round of review session with the entire department with regards to the survey we have done. It was to tell us that we did not score above average and they had to improve so that the next survey we do would show better results. One of the things we had to improve was on this question "Were you praised in the last 7 days?" We all laughed and said we weren't. 7 days is too short. And K said that the highlight wasn't on the 7 days but on WERE YOU PRAISED? They mentioned to the survey service provider that this question was very misleading. Anyway, in my mind, be it 7 days or not, the answer would still be on. All of us were supposed to give ideas to K on how we could improve this situation here in our department. Someone said we should be praised if we did a good job. I remembered M (one of the more senior colleagues) said we are expected to do a good job, so in what situations would they praise? I said, who's not expected to do a good job?! We are all here with the expectation of doing a good job. However, little things like "Hey, this week your report is error-free."; "Hey, you did very well to initiate this." would really brighten up someone's day and the person will feel very appreciated. Here, bias is very obvious, if they like u, they like u, if they don't like u, they don't like u.

Why this topic today? I was out of office for a short while to go over to Plaza 1 to pass other departments the UOB Pledge Card. I reached one of the department and passed it to this girl called D. She was in the D&D Committee too. She said doing this pledge card thingy very sianz. I said don't worry next year I won't be here to disturb u le. And she asked where I was going. I said transfer, so will not liaise with her with regards to this. She guessed correctly where I was heading to. Most of them expected it, it was quite obvious S (my new boss) likes me a lot. And D told me another shocking news!

"You remembered that day we took KL's car. (KL is another division's high-ranking personnel) She mentioned that she likes you a lot. That you are a very good administrator. And that you take very good minutes. She said if K don't want you one day, she wants you."

I was like over the blue moon! I really felt very good. It really made my day! Thanks D for telling me this. Suddenly I felt that I have a bright future ahead! People have recognized my abilities, my capabilities! I am delighted! Now, I see the importance of being recognized.
It will bring me a long way in my career path. Studies and results will be secondary, networking is the key!

-=I was praised today.=- *contented*