This is the recognition of one's existence by a fellow being. People need strokes, the units of interpersonal recognition, to survive and thrive. They are as necessary as the primary biological needs for food, water, and suitable temparature. A stroke can be verbal or non-verbal or both. A hello, waving of the hand, a pat, a clap, a smile, are examples of stroking. One feels nice and there is a thought of well being when such a tool is adopted to improve interpersonal dynamics. There is a feeling of I'm OK, you are OK.

Everyone needs some kind of stroking, be it the supervisor or the subordinate to boost his morale. All the above mentioned strokes are positive strokes. A stroke that brings a feeling of unworthiness, hatred ness, sorrow, etc is a negative stroke. This can ruin the relationship as the transaction between the 2 states of being is brought to an abrupt end. This stroke brings a feeling of I'm not OK, I don't count. For example, if someone says, Go away, I can't stand you or if your superior in work place does not respond to your greetings early in the morning, the feeling of Not OK creeps in. If the stroke is given to you for what you do, it is a conditional stroke. If your superior praises you for the performance of a job, it is a conditional stroke, coz; this stroke is dependant on the performance of a job assigned to you. On the other hand, an unconditional stroke is given to you for being you. If your colleague says that he likes spending time with you and likes your company, this is an unconditional stroke, as he shows liking towards you for what you are as a person.

A few positive strokes that people need in an organization are listed below. Note down the names of the people who fit best in the below mentioned roles and let them know about it.Name people in your department /work relationship, who are particularly noted for the following: