Did that title get your attention? Alas, I’m not talking about romantic encounters, rather, this is about appreciation. This being the “love month” – highlighted by Valentine’s Day on Saturday – makes this topic worth elevating.
Be generous in expressing appreciation to colleagues, team members, and clients – and anyone who provides service that you value. This can be as simple as “thank you.”
I was speaking with the receptionist in a client’s office and thanked him for always taking good care of me. He was grateful for the comment and politely added that he strives to take good care of everyone in the office.
This has a ripple effect of goodwill. When you make one person feel good, the chances of that person paying it forward is higher.
I know leaders who don’t agree with this. They don’t think that “atta boys” are necessary, because a job well done is thanks enough.
I disagree. Yes, when people do their jobs well, they feel satisfied. And, yes, it’s important to have the self-awareness to know intrinsically that you did a job well. But acknowledgment externally validates the experience.
A thank you, some praise or recognition goes a long way to bolster your employees. This is especially important if yours is a high-pressure, intense environment where people regularly work hard and rarely receive acknowledgement.
As the leader, you set the tone. Showing appreciation reveals you as someone who cares. Aside from this going a long way for your staff, acts of kindness make you feel good, too. And who doesn’t want that?
“I only know of one duty, and that is to love.”
– Albert Camus
Header image by Towfiqu barbhuiya/Pexels.
