The need for appreciation isn't a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of being human. How can you better validate and appreciate the people in your life? I challenged my audience at Duke University to consider this question, and then I took it one step further saying, "Identify someone that you don't think would actually want the recognition and tell them specifically (and sincerely) what you appreciate about them." One month later, I followed-up with the audience members to find out what they had done.
An executive raised her hand to tell me that she had reluctantly recognized a long-time employee. "He was always doing great work, and yet I had never said anything in the past because I didn't think he would want to hear it," she said. "However, after your challenge I decided to take a chance," pausing for a moment, she then said, "After recognizing him for his amazing work over so many years he came into my office and said that in NINETEEN years of working for the organization he had never had anyone acknowledge his work." She humbly concluded saying, "He told me thank you for noticing and then he walked out . . . I had no idea."
The simplicity, the influence, and the power of genuine appreciation should not be taken for granted. Please consider the benefits of communicating in a positive way that builds trust, creates hope, and inspires confidence. How can you better validate and appreciate the people in your life?
The need for appreciation is not a sign of weakness . . . it is a sign of being human.
For more information see the Recogntion Management Institute. S Max Brown, CRP is VP Organizational Learning at Rideau Recognition Solutions and a regular contributor to the Recognition Management Institute.
Photo courtesy of annthrop
Even those of us who are introverts and tend to stay behind the scenes enjoy recognition. I was recently recognized for contributing to our team's success in growing our human capital practice. I hadn't expected it but it certainly gave me a boost in energy and made all the effort of working through the latest string of snowstorms in the NE bearable.
It might work in our personal lives too!
What a great way to start someone's week by recognizing them! Last night I watched "Undercover Boss" on TV; the best part was the facial expressions of individuals when they were recognized for contributing the best part of who they were at work-- seeing those expressions, now that's real reward.