Showing appreciation is one of those things that I hear managers and leaders griping about "having" to do in order to make people happy. It is usually followed up quickly with, "I pay them. Isn't that thanks enough?!" The truth is, NO, it is not enough. In fact, I would argue that it isn't enough for any of us. All of us want to know that what we are doing is being valued by the people that we work for and with. We want to hear that they noticed what we did and how hard we worked to make something great happen. When we don't hear that, we feel slided, or cheated.
There is a specific manner in which you need to show appreciation, though. If you just walk around telling people they are amazing, it does not seem as sincere. Besides, if they act like an idiot the next day, that only makes them an amazing idiot, based on their interpretation of your appreciation and then reprimand. If you will include the following three components in any of your appreciation messages, they will begin to reinforce the positive behaviors you want and make your life easier.
There is a specific manner in which you need to show appreciation, though. If you just walk around telling people they are amazing, it does not seem as sincere. Besides, if they act like an idiot the next day, that only makes them an amazing idiot, based on their interpretation of your appreciation and then reprimand. If you will include the following three components in any of your appreciation messages, they will begin to reinforce the positive behaviors you want and make your life easier.
- Behavior - You must describe the specific behavior that the person exhibited, or demonstrated, that you would like to see more of in the future. If you focus on behavior, instead of personal characteristics, you bring out the right behaviors in that person.
- Feeling - How do you personally feel about this amazing behavior that the person demonstrated? What was the emotion that you felt? If it was pride, or honor, or gratitude, then say that. You are not getting mushy with the person. You are being sincere.
- Effect - What was the positive effect that their behavior had on you, your team, your organization, etc.? You must describe how this helped. This is the justification that they will need in the future to choose to demonstrate this right behavior again.
It isn't that you have to walk around telling everyone they are great. It is quite the contrary. You only reinforce right behaviors. You only show appreciation for the things that are done that make your life easier or make your workplace more successful. If you will focus on consistently reinforcing these positive behaviors, you will find that you will have ever-increasing opportunities to show appreciation.
I have yet to meet an executive or an employee who did not want to be appreciated. I am also including a video that teaches you quickly how to show appreciation to others. I hope you enjoy and I would appreciate you sharing the article and the video with your friends. Your sharing helps to build more positive cultures and results in a happier, more productive workforce.
To Your Success!
Jody N Holland
www.jodynholland.com
806-355-5567 office
jodynholland@gmail.com
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