Fran Tarkenton, the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, once called a play that required him to block rushing tacklers. It's important to note that quarterbacks almost never block. They're usually greatly outweighed by the other players and so blocking exposes them to the risk of severe injury.
But the team was behind, and a surprise play was needed. Tarkenton went in to block, and the runner scored a touchdown. The Vikings won the game.
Watching the game films with the team the next day, Tarkenton expected a big pat on the back for what he had done. It never came. After the meeting, Tarkenton approached the coach, Bud Grant and asked, "You saw my block, didn't you Coach? How come you didn't say anything about it?"
Grant replied, "Sure, I saw the block. It was great. But you're always working hard out there, Fran. I figured I didn't have to tell you."
"Well," Tarkenton replied, "if you ever want me to block again you do!"
The lesson here is that we need to recognize people's efforts. A common mistake is to assume that because someone is a strong, accomplished or confident person, they don't need the feedback or compliments; they do! Everyone needs to know when they have done well.
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