That may be good for team building and make some people feel better but, personally, I would find that situation very uncomfortable.
The idea is good: share the love, highlight good work. But it probably better just to let people know more naturally.
(The votes were publicly announced -- and also who had voted?)
I suppose it can feel that way, but on the other hand forcing oneself to find and appreciate others efforts and good qualities—even if there are perceptibly few of them—can be a good exercise, especially for those of us who are naturally quite critical. While I'd argue that it's a good virtue and intrinsically valuable, the habit is also practically beneficial: people perform better when they're appreciated and recognized; one's ability to form and work with teams is noticeably easier; it's easier to adjust performance and expectations; et c.
People often put the cart before the horse when talking about stuff like this. Manufacturing gratitude is doesn't make it less genuine or fundamentally less good.
Really, it’s about noticing and acknowledging good work or behaviour.
I wonder if this is a culture or generational difference. I've found my employer's incentives / gestures a bit lackluster compared to simple gratitude. I like working on a team where the members are publicly thankful for their teammates' efforts. Shrute Bucks stink.
I've been publicly recognized and appreciated it, I've also received quiet thank you notes. I know I like the latter more.
To me it’s embarrassing to be recognized publicly for literally doing what I am being paid to do. Instead, perhaps recognize each week the people that didn’t meet the standard:
“Wanted to recognize Bob this week for being a bit of a douche as well as letting all of us down when he messed up the build system and delayed our build delivery to QA and the Loc team thus having the rest of us having to scramble over the weekend to clean up the mess. Thanks Bob!”
I don’t want claps from my peers. I’ve already figured out if they like my work or not from day-to-day interaction.
If you want to recognize my contribution, give me money - that’s why I’m here. This is a business relationship. I work, you pay. Pay up.
You think complimenting people is horrible, people should be publicly shamed, insulted and blamed for the failure of the team, and fancy yourself for a leadership role? Grief.
Instead, perhaps take the "if you're on time, you're late, being early is the minimum" self-satisfied chip off your shoulder and realise that blaming Bob for you being a doormat and working on the weekend is you being "a bit of a douche".
My goodness. This is horrifying.
I'm cringing just thinking of a team doing that.
It’s appropriate for a manager or team lead to do this. It’s not appropriate to make it the norm (even if it’s “optional”) for the whole team.
Much better for a leader to model the desired behavior, and, create space for those on the team, of their own volition and without peer pressure, follow suit.
It will also be much more authentic, real, and meaningful.