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Why Recognition Matters, Whether You're Kelly Reilly on Yellowstone or Working in Housekeeping

Nancy Mendelson

Help me understand why Kelly Reilly’s name is not among the incredibly talented actresses nominated for Emmy’s this season!

Kelly Reilly Yellowstone

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) Laura Linney (Ozark) Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets) Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show) Zendaya (Euphoria)


While I don’t begrudge any of these formidable contenders this recognition and wish them all the best of luck, there is something inherently effed up about this sin of omission. My fondest hope for Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly is that she knows how awesome she is, how much her performance is appreciated by her fans… and that she doesn’t give a flying fig about awards. But is that realistic?

After all, who doesn’t enjoy being recognized and appreciated for outstanding performance, whatever your field of endeavor?

After all, who doesn’t enjoy being recognized and appreciated for outstanding performance, whatever your field of endeavor?


“From a very early age, we crave recognition from parents, teachers, and friends. So strong is our desire for positive affirmation, particularly during developmental periods, that we can even perceive a neutral reaction as a negative one,” writes Claire Hastwell for Greatplacetowork.com.


This continues to hold true as we move into the workplace. Employee recognition helps to:

  • Retain top talent

  • Increase employee engagement

  • Encourage high performance

In his article for The Harvard Business Review, Why Employees Need Both Recognition and Appreciation author Mike Robbins

maintains, “While they’re both important, there’s a big difference between them. For leaders who want their teams to thrive and organizations that want to create cultures of engagement, loyalty, and high performance, it’s important to understand the distinction. In simple terms, recognition is about what people do; appreciation is about who they are.”

In simple terms, recognition is about what people do; appreciation is about who they are

Robbins goes on to say, “Recognition is appropriate and necessary when it’s earned and deserved. Appreciation, however, is important all the time.” So hopefully today’s headline in the Culture section of Newsweek, 'Yellowstone' Fans React as Show, Kelly Reilly Snubbed for Emmys Again, lets this outstanding actress know that recognition and appreciation don’t have to come in the form of an award to be earned and deserved!

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