Movies are such a grand affair to make: lighting, makeup, production, set design, casting, assistant to the 2nd cameraman, and the list goes on. Why are we familiar with these terms? Because they're in the credits! Mind you, most of us don't watch the credits because we're really there for the big show, but it really really matters to the people involved in the making. They tell it to their family, friends and even acquaintances with a sense of pride and accomplishment. In fact, I was an extra in The Namesake for about seven seconds and its become one of those things that just gets mentioned off-hand in conversation. The notion of credits is very transferable to other arenas, especially in the work world.
No matter how hoaky, being mentioned at a picnic, a newsletter, a party, or conference has a very lasting effect on people. No one's really immune. The very best companies make use of this concept heavily in other ways as well through sophiscated-sounding titles, celebrations, and leadership opportunities (in anything; from taking charge of team projects to managing the company softball team). Whatever work efforts we're involved in, there is a beginning, a middle and an end. Focus is almost always on the first two; start-up and maintenance. Yet companies evolve just the same as TV sitcoms do. The "end" with credits and all is the shifting point to antoher theme, product or customer; think Apple, Google, Microsoft but also Johnson & Johnson, GE and Procter & Gamble.
Bottomline: Acclaim matters. Make it a part of your work and personal life. Commend yourself and others upon meeting deadlines, reaching milestones, achieving goals. Change has to be a part of the system (more on that in another post). Employees and customers continue to stay interested only if you remain interesting. Figure out how to get you and your organization there. Credit opportunistically and you'll only create more opportunities to credit.