Select an employee (or create a fictional employee) whose work you have observed as exemplary (not routine).

Write a letter of commendation for the employee (for class submission).

To do this you must analyze the employees performance. Select something that the employee has done that was exemplary. The work should be the quality of a performance that you would like to see replicated throughout the institution.

You will write the commendation letter on one page highlighting the outstanding achievement, special acts, or innovation that the employee has completed with great praise. You will prepare the letter for your superiors signature in standard professional business style.

Be sure to use proper grammar, spelling, and professional writing skills throughout the letter. The letter should have a solid introduction citing the purpose of the letter and praise for the specific act (or pretend) act of distinction in subsequent paragraphs.

Remember that such letters will often rise through the chain of command. The organization will often link you to the specific achievement and the performance. In addition, recommendation letters like this are often accompanied with a certificate of achievement denoting the recognition. These certificates and letters tend to wallpaper the walls of offices in most government institutions and are held in the Official Personnel File (OPF) of the subject employee.

Managers who understand the value of recognizing their employees encourage high performance, respect organizational unity and build a positive working atmosphere throughout the institution and whole organization. Keep in mind, you are writing the letter for your superiors signature addressing your subordinate. You may be creative in this process. No two letters should ever be the same in order to avoid (cookie cutter) recognition.