> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.topicflow.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Recognition

> Recognize great work and reinforce company values

# Recognition

Recognition in Topicflow highlights accomplishments, reinforces company values, and builds a culture of appreciation. It's similar to feedback but explicitly celebrates what people do well.

## What recognition is

Recognition is public or private acknowledgment of:

* Exceptional work or results
* Demonstrations of company values
* Going above and beyond
* Helping others or the team

Unlike general feedback (which can be positive or constructive), recognition is always positive and often shared broadly.

## Why recognition matters

**It reinforces behavior**
When you recognize someone for demonstrating a value or going above and beyond, you encourage similar behavior from them and others.

**It builds morale**
Public recognition makes people feel valued and appreciated.

**It creates visibility**
Accomplishments that might go unnoticed get highlighted.

**It strengthens culture**
Recognition tied to company values reinforces what the organization cares about.

## How recognition works in Topicflow

**Giving recognition**

1. Go to Recognition and click "Give Recognition"
2. Select the recipient
3. Write what you're recognizing them for
4. Optionally link it to a company value or goal
5. Choose visibility (usually public)
6. Submit — the recognition is visible to the team

**Receiving recognition**
When you receive recognition, it appears:

* In your recognition feed
* In your performance profile
* In performance reviews (as evidence of impact and values alignment)

**Visibility**
Most recognition is public (visible across the team or organization), but private recognition is also possible.

## Recognition vs. feedback

**Recognition:**

* Always positive
* Often public
* Tied to values or exceptional work
* Celebratory tone

**Feedback:**

* Can be positive or constructive
* Often private (for constructive feedback)
* Tied to specific behaviors or projects
* Developmental tone

Recognition is a subset of positive feedback, but it's more celebratory and values-driven.

## How recognition connects to the rest of Topicflow

**Recognition and reviews**
Recognition submitted during a review period surfaces in performance reviews, demonstrating:

* Impact and accomplishments
* Values alignment
* Peer and stakeholder appreciation

**Recognition and values**
Many organizations link recognition to core values:

* "Customer-focused": Recognized for going above and beyond for a client
* "Team player": Recognized for helping onboard a new teammate
* "Innovation": Recognized for proposing a creative solution

This reinforces what the company values in practice, not just in theory.

**Recognition and goals**
Recognition can reference goal achievement:

* "Recognized for shipping the Q2 roadmap 3 weeks early"

**Recognition and meetings**
Recognition can be given during team meetings or all-hands, then formalized in Topicflow for documentation.

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Recognizing great work" icon="award" href="/recognition/recognizing-great-work">
    Learn how to give meaningful recognition
  </Card>

  <Card title="Public recognition" icon="users" href="/recognition/public-recognition">
    Understand when and how to share recognition broadly
  </Card>

  <Card title="How recognition connects to feedback and reviews" icon="link" href="/recognition/how-recognition-connects-to-feedback-and-reviews">
    See how recognition ties into performance management
  </Card>
</CardGroup>