Inspiring Workplaces: Seven Tips for More Effective Appreciation

Published: Wed, 04/17/24

Inspiring Workplaces
The Way Work Ought to Be!

ISSUE 1,017 - April 17, 2024


		Seven Tips for More Effective Appreciation

	Margaret Cousins once said, "Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." And seriously, that's all it takes! You don't have to turn it into a Broadway musical number (although if anyone wants to surprise me with one, I'm definitely up for it) or a poetic turn of phrase worthy of Shakespeare. You just need to say it in your own authentic way. Just move that thought bubble down to your vocal chords and say it in the moment, whether it's sticking your head in Jennifer's office to thank her as you walk by, picking up the phone, sending a text, or doing an impromptu interpretive dance of appreciation, strike while the moment is aflame (I'm trying to sound a little Shakespeare-y here). Besides being timely, here are a few more random tips to strengthen the impact of any recognition: Be specific. Don't just say, "Jamal, you are awesome." Let Jamal know exactly what he did. Unless it was Shelia who did it, in which case you should probably let Sheila know. Attitudes at work are highly contagious, and so is recognition. The more you practice "possip" (positive gossip) and share rave reviews about colleagues behind their backs the greater the likelihood (according to research) that other colleagues will start doing the same. Connect your appreciation to your organization's mission, to one of your key values, to your customer service, or to how it benefits your overall organization. According to a one survey, only 47% of employees can make a connection between their daily work and their company's performance, so help them connect the dots! When appropriate, acknowledge the cost when someone has gone above and beyond. Let them know that you understand that what they did must have taken a lot of time or work or even caused them some stress. This demonstrates that you truly understand how much effort they put into something. Ask them how they did it! This way they have a chance to share their story and feel truly acknowledged, while you have a chance to learn something about them. Finally, avoid "butt-headed thinking" by adding a 'but' to any praise. If you say, "Hey Pat thanks for your brilliant work last week helping to create that musical tribute for Michael, BUT next time..." all Pat is going to focus on is the seagull squawking "but next time" part. Keep it 100% positive.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Tomorrow is official High Five Day, so why not create a regular theme day, either once a week or once a month, where everyone high fives everyone they meet at work. It might be High Five Fridays or a High Five Day to kick off the start of each month. And if people are worried about spreading germs, you can always do a distanced virtual high five, or what the kids call a "Wi-Five."
		Quote of the Week
"Misery loves company, but so does joy. And joy throws much better parties." Bill Ivey

		Funny Business

As seen on a restaurant sandwich board sign: "I am so disappointed that a group of squids is not called a squad!"

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